Plenty of footballers think they deserve a bigger stage, but only a few actually do.
There are some players whose quality stands out in their team, but who, in the Premier League, should be playing on a bigger stage?
We’ve picked 10 players, from the English top flight, who we believe could move up a level – scroll through the gallery above to take a look at our picks.
| Combined XI - Stoke City (H) | Southampton face Stoke City at St. Mary’s for the final game of the 16/17 campaign. Southampton will try to end … 20-05-2017 |
Saints have given a number of Academy graduates a chance this season, and an eighth place finish is still in sight should they register a result against Stoke on the final day.
Davis said: “The league season has been a little bit strange in terms of the Premier League campaign.
“We’ve got an opportunity to finish in eighth position and we want to try and secure that so we’ve got to put in a good performance first and foremost – hopefully three points will follow that.”
The current campaign has also seen Davis assume the role as club captain, something which he has been proud of.
“I’ve enjoyed it. It’s been new for me within the club and something I’ve taken on board,” Davis reflected.
“I’ve tried to improve in every aspect as well as helping the younger players. It’s been great to see so many young players get an opportunity this year.
“Hopefully that experience will stand them in good stead for the future and the foundations are there for us to build and have a strong campaign next year.”
| Southampton’s top managerial target revealed | Marco Silva is reportedly at the top of Southampton’s list to replace Claude Puel as the manager of the club this … 20-05-2017 |
Claude Puel knows he is at risk of becoming the latest Premier League managerial casualty on Sunday, with Marco Silva top of Southampton’s shortlist to replace him.
Southampton are preparing to sack Puel less than 12 months into a three-year contract, despite the Frenchman having led them to a Wembley final.
Puel’s future will be decided at a review meeting next week. ‘It is not in my mind because I’m a professional,’ he said. 'It’s not time for me or the players to think about this. For me the season is not finished.
‘I accept what can happen. When a new manager comes to train and try to put in place a project it’s not easy but its very interesting.’
Victory at home to Stoke would guarantee Southampton a top-eight finish to go along with their EFL Cup final birth.
But Puel has struggled to win over fans. Puel said: ‘All the big teams finish in the first seven places. It would be a good thing for Southampton to finish eighth.’
Silva is the man Saints’ bosses want to replace Puel despite his failing to keep Hull in the Premier League.
The 39-year-old has declared his intention to try and stay in the top flight after impressing in five months at Hull where he almost pulled off escape from relegation.
Whoever is managing Southampton, their summer task will be trying to persuade stars like Virgil van Dijk, Jack Stephens, Ryan Bertrand and Oriol Romeu to stay.