Matsuki stars in Southampton vs Gillingham player ratings

The 22 year old Japanese youth international scored the fourth goal in the 4-1 win against the League Two side at Staplewood on Tuesday.

Matsuki's contribution followed previous goals from Cameron Archer, Ross Stewart and Tyler Dibling, but it was not limited to just his simple finish.

He was a standout performer for 60 minutes, while the likes of Aaron Ramsdale also impressed as he returned to the team for the first time.

Here are our player ratings for the friendly clash with Gillingham...

Will Still pictured at Staplewood during the match (Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC)

First 60 minutes

Aaron Ramsdale - 7.

Was not particularly busy on his return to action but made three good saves in the space as many minutes during one strong Gillingham spell towards the end of his 60 minutes. Good footwork otherwise, solid reintroduction.

James Bree - 6.

Steady performance with a clean sheet and good link up play with the forwards on his side of the pitch. Elected to take set-pieces, including corners and crossing free-kicks - one or two good deliveries from these situations.

Jack Stephens - 7.

Solid, contributing to his side's clean sheet over 60 minutes. Set up Fraser with a nice long pass for the first chance of the game and had the shot that was cleared off the line to Archer for the opener. A threat from set-pieces. 

Joshua Quarshie - 6.

Proved again what an impressive player he is physically, winning his duels, and leaves no doubt about his desire to defend. Passing was a little bit loose across the whole team but stood out in particular with the 20 year old.

Welington - 6.

Got stuck in, and committed a couple of fouls in the process, but did not do anything else to stand out. The late flurry of chances for Gillingham came down his side of the pitch, but still collected the clean sheet in his 60 minutes.

Flynn Downes - 6.

No notes taken on the performance of Downes, other than when he climbed well and headed over from a Bree cross. Was scrappy like Welington, got stuck in. Operated as the more defensive midfielder alongside Smallbone.

Will Smallbone - 6.

Took up some good positions and was a key part of the penetration beyond the opposition lines this time, which Still said was missing at Eastleigh. No other notes taken, so solid but unspectacular from the midfielder.

Adam Armstrong - 6.

Did not do anything wrong that we noted but failed to make an impact against the League Two side, seeing his attempts blocked. Only played 30 minutes before he was replaced with a bit of a limp, hopefully not major.

Ryan Fraser - 7.

Played as a central attacking midfielder, as he did at Eastleigh. Very lively, tidy performance from the Scotsman. Hit the crossbar with a cheeky lob and had two more shots saved after getting into good positions.

Jay Robinson - 7.

Good learning for the 18 year old, who had to adapt to find success. Was locked down initially, unable to break through on the left, but went searching for the ball in deeper areas and excelled. Brilliant footwork, always plays forward.

Cameron Archer - 7.

Opened the scoring with a simple finish from inside the box, but it was his determination to close down the opposition that created the chance. Up for it and interested in making an impact, regularly running in behind the defence.

Tyler Dibling - 7.

Initially came on as a winger and was largely ineffective, frustrating Saints figures. But looked a different player when he moved into midfield, setting up one of the goals and scoring another from the edge of the area.

Nathan Wood played the second half of the match (Image: Matt Watson / Southampton FC)

Second 60 minutes

Gavin Bazunu - 6.

Had very little to do as Saints dominated the second half against a younger Gills side. Went the wrong way for the penalty but did not stand much of a chance. No other notes for his performance, comfortable clean sheet. Good with feet.

Yuki Sugawara - 6.

Worked hard and did not have any defensive problems, which is welcome following his first season as a Saints player. Has the quality to do slightly better going forward than he did, will hope to show more against Valenciennes.

Nathan Wood - 6.

Part of a defence that conceded very few attacks to the opposition and looked to get forward on the ball when he could in the closing stages. Good to see his confidence to get up the pitch. 

Charlie Taylor - 7.

Wore the captain's armband after the break, filling in at centre-back with three first team central defenders still not available. Played well, was vocal and had a good shot saved by the keeper. Food for thought on his future.

Ryan Manning - 7.

Impressive 45 minutes, after he was not involved in the squad against Eastleigh. Set up Dibling's goal with a low cross from the left and linked up well with Brereton Diaz. Penalised for the shirt pull in the box, but it was soft.

Kuryu Matsuki - 8.

Standout performer. Deserved his goal, even if it was a tap-in on a cross that was already going in! Made an immediate impact against the ball and had another brilliant half-volley well saved. Intelligent movement throughout.

Shea Charles - 6.

No major notes for Charles, who played as the anchor to allow Matsuki to pick up the advanced positions. No defensive problems but not as involved in the attacking build-up as he was at Eastleigh. Potential.

Sam Edozie - 6.

Got his assist with a perfect pass across the box to assist for Stewart to score the second goal of the match, just after he came on - having also made an impact against Eastleigh. A little quiet otherwise, but not bad.

Ben Brereton Diaz - 7.

After a poor outing at Eastleigh, Brereton Diaz still looked a little bit clumsy and lacked a bit of intensity, but actually he was involved in the third and fourth goals, displaying good technique with his outside-of-the-foot pass to set Manning up for his assist. 

Ross Stewart - 7.

Was a threat immediately after coming on, and produced a comfortable finish for his goal. Displayed a previously unseen passing range with a nice knock out to Brereton Diaz for the third goal. More great hold-up play.

Joe Aribo - 7.

Had a couple of good moments on his first appearance of pre-season. His shot clipped the crossbar shortly after coming on, before he jinked past a defender and Matsuki turned in his goalward effort in the closing stages.

Joachim Kayi Sanda - N/A.

Played the last 15 minutes after starting the Eastleigh match. No notes on this performance. Got a lot of competition for squad place.