Could this XI emerge as Southampton's strongest under Ivan Juric?

The Croatian admitted he wants to change Southampton's mentality. He wants his side to be "aggressive" with the press and to play quickly.

Juric has favoured a three-back system. At Roma, where he only lasted 12 games, he utilised a 3-4-3 while his preferred system at Torino was a 3-4-1-2.

Looking at the profile of Southampton's squad, a two-striker system with a number 10 in behind may be best suited.  We think this could emerge as the strongest XI.

Goalkeeper

Aaron Ramsdale has endured a difficult start to life at Southampton and his recent injury has been a point of frustration.

He arrived at Saints to help them battle against relegation but will return to a side firmly rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table with a -25 goal difference.

Although he has conceded 19 goals in nine games, he is still Southampton's strongest option between the sticks.

Ramsdale will provide a solid foundation for the defensively-sound Juric. Only three teams conceded fewer than his Torino side last season. Vanja Milinkovic-Savic kept 18 clean sheets.

Aaron Ramsdale has kept one clean sheet at Southampton. (Image: Zac Goodwin/PA)Right-wing-back.

As outlined, Juric has exclusively deployed a back-three system in recent seasons. The attacking wingbacks on both sides provide the width.

Raoul Bellanova, now at Atalanta, was key for Il Toro last season. He was a top performer in crosses, shots and chances created.

Yukinari Sugawara is the closest Saints have to Bellanova's profile. The Japanese international has shown himself capable of being an attacking threat in the Premier League.

He has made 40 crosses this season, more than any other Saints player, and ranks second for shot-creating actions (25). Kyle Walker-Peter's position best role may fall elsewhere.

Japanese international Yukinari Sugawara. (Image: PA/Adam Davy) Centre-backs

Southampton are used to playing a three-back system this season so there will likely be little change here. 

Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Jan Bednarek have been regulars in the team, only dropping out when unavailable through suspension or injury.

The key choice here for Juric is who to select as his third centre-back. The five-time Croatia international is not afraid to deploy full-backs at centre-back.

At Roma, right-back Mehmet Zeki Celik and left-back Angelino played as the widest centre-back at times.

Walker-Peters has been deployed similarly this season but his defensive abilities leave a lot to be desired.

Alternatively, Juric could keep Nathan Wood in the team, reintroduce Jack Stephens or hand an opportunity to Ronnie Edwards, Armel Bella-Kotchap or anyone else.

Despite playing in a poor defensive team, Wood has impressed and deserves a longer shot in the team. Juric could rotate between him and Walker-Peters, depending on the opposition.

Jan Bednarek (centre) and Flynn Downes at St Mary's. (Image: Stuart Martin) Left-wing-back

Despite looking like he had fallen out of Southampton's plans, Ryan Manning has enjoyed an upturn in form at Southampton this season.

The Irish international made a shock return to the side at Arsenal and has practically kept his place in the team ever since.

His turnaround is best encapsulated by the frustration shown by Saints fans when he was withdrawn in Martin's final game against Spurs. 

Manning has attempted the second most crosses (34), although 13 of those have come from corners. That also explains his high-performing 2.19 shot-creating actions per 90.

Ryan Manning has impressed since re-earning his spot in the side. (Image: Adam Davy/PA) Central-midfielders

With the wingbacks providing the width, Saints will need two central midfielders capable of taking them forward and winning back the ball.

Flynn Downes may be a 'Russell Martin' player, having been signed by him at Swansea and Southampton, but he remains important to Saints in the post-Martin era.

Downes has played the third most minutes, attempted the most passes of a non-defender and made the fourth most shot-creating action (23).

Juric likes one of his midfelders to stay back, ensuring they keep four defensive players when the wingbacks push on. Downes fits the bill for that role.

He should be partnered by bright talent Mateus Fernandes, who has been a revelation since joining Southampton this summer.

The Portuguese midfielder appears everywhere on the pitch. Not only capable of creating chances, the 20 year old's work ethic means he contributes defensively too.

Like Downes, he has been key for shot-creating actions (24) but also ranks top for tackles won (21) and dribbles tackled (12).

Mateus Fernandes has made a quick start to life at Southampton. (Image: Stuart Martin) Number 10

Keeping with the theme of shot-creating actions, no Saints player has been more important in attack than Tyler Dibling this season.

Only Bukayo Saka (nine) has created more chances by taking on defenders than the teenager this season (eight).

Dibling has been at his best out wide, where he receives more space to skin defenders and knock through balls for running forwards. But Juric's system will not allow for that.

The 18 year old came through Southampton's academy as a midfielder and should be given more time to adjust. This may also be a position the club reinforce in the winter window.

Southampton's Tyler Dibling before Carabao Cup quarter-final match against Liverpool. (Image: Stuart Martin) Strikers

If Saints are going to cross the ball more often, they will need someone to target. Luckily, they have an underutilized six-foot-seven-inch striker in the squad.

Paul Onuachu will likely be licking his lips at the prospect of playing in a team willing to knock the ball into the box. Southampton have so far been the worst crossers in the division.

This could be the final chance for Onuachu, who is yet to score, to show why Sport Republic spent so much money on him two years ago.

Summer signing Cameron Archer is Southampton's top goalscorer and his pace and movement could help ensure Saints are not one-dimensional.

Archer has looked at his best when playing alongside a strike partner. Although he has made improvements, holding the ball up is not his strength.

The 23 year old has been isolated on many occasions this season. Giving him a strike partner could further unlock his talents.

Cameron Archer has scored five goals for Southampton this season. (Image: Stuart Martin)

Southampton’s Potential Best XI:

Ramsdale; Sugawara, Bednarek, Harwood-Bellis, Wood, Manning; Downes, Fernandes, Dibling; Archer, Onuachu.

What do think could be different about Juric's strongest side?