Struggling Southampton Man Should Take Leeds United Inspiration – He Could Rediscover His Form Under Will Still

Struggling Southampton Man Should Take Leeds United Inspiration – He Could Rediscover His Form Under Will Still

 

As Southampton prepare for life back in the Championship, there’s a strong case for one underperforming star to look toward Elland Road for inspiration.

 

The Saints are entering a crucial new era under the guidance of Will Still, who replaces Ivan Juric after a brief tenure in the Premier League. It’s a clear signal from the Southampton hierarchy that they are ready to invest in a long-term project – one built on identity, cohesion, and unlocking the full potential of the squad.

 

One player who could benefit greatly from this fresh start is Japanese international Yukinari Sugawara. After a challenging debut campaign in England’s top flight, the 24-year-old right-back finds himself at a crossroads. But as Leeds United’s Junior Firpo proved last season, there’s a path back to form – and it could begin in the Championship.

No one in red and white can claim to have had a standout 2024/25 season, but Sugawara’s struggles felt especially pronounced. Despite glimpses of promise, especially during the early months, the defender’s pace and attacking drive were often offset by positional lapses and defensive vulnerability.

 

It was a disappointing year overall for the former AZ Alkmaar man – but the drop to the Championship might be exactly what he needs to rediscover his confidence and refine his game.

 

Leeds United full-back Junior Firpo serves as the perfect case study. Once labelled unreliable and inconsistent in the Premier League, Firpo found his feet under Daniel Farke in the Championship, becoming a potent attacking outlet and one of the Whites’ key players in their promotion push.

 

Sugawara has a similar profile: dynamic, quick in transition, and capable of causing real problems for defences with his overlapping runs. Under the right coach, and in a league where technical quality can make a big difference, he could thrive.

 

Will Still’s appointment brings a tactical shift at St Mary’s – one based on fluidity, high intensity, and proactive football. Sugawara’s attributes are tailor-made for such a style. His ability to break lines, link up in advanced areas, and stretch the pitch could become a key part of Southampton’s attacking blueprint.

 

Under Russell Martin, Sugawara started brightly but saw his minutes decline toward the end of the season – a combination of tactical rotation, possible fatigue, or speculation around his future. Still now has a clean slate to work with, and ensuring Sugawara remains at the club should be a top priority.

 

Not only does he bring energy and flair to the right flank, but his potential in the Championship could be game-changing. As Firpo showed, dropping down a division can act as a reset – a chance to build rhythm, grow in confidence, and emerge as a dominant force.

 

For Sugawara, the 2025/26 campaign is more than just a shot at redemption – it’s a platform to prove his quality and play a pivotal role in a side chasing promotion. And for Will Still, unlocking that potential could be one of his most valuable early moves as Southampton boss.

 

If nurtured and trusted, Sugawara has the tools to be one of the standout full-backs in the Championship. He has the pace, the technical skill, and now – perhaps for the first time since arriving in England – the right environment to thrive.

 

All that’s needed now is belief, and a blueprint. Firpo found his. Sugawara could be next.

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