KYLE Walker-Peters was dropped for the trip to Anfield as Ralph Hasenhuttl explains his decision to reintroduce Frenchman Romain Perraud. Perraud, 24, made his first Saints start since the 2-2 draw with Burnley in October as Saints were demolished 4-0 by Liverpool on Merseyside. He started as a left-wing-back in Hasenhuttl’s five-man defence, despite right-footed Walker-Peters having impressed initially sceptical supporters with his impressive attacking performances. Speaking after the match,
Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “I wanted another left foot on this side who wants to play inside with his left foot, I think this was the goal. We had a few good moments from this, with Romain, but in the back five I think it is, and he has played it in some games this season where it has worked well, but again today the individual quality playing you have seen what happens. It was not possible for us today to do it like this.”
Perraud arrived from French Ligue One side Stade Brest in the summer as a direct replacement for Ryan Bertrand, but has been embroiled in a battle with typically right-sided Walker-Peters since. The former France under-21 international has made six starts in the Premier League this campaign, yet to contribute a goal or assist and has registered two clean sheets.
