Maya Yoshida is an unexpected contender for the Daily Echo’s Southampton FC Player of the Season award.

But he certainly deserves the recognition.

This time last year, the very suggestion that, 12 months on, Yoshida would be a candidate for the player of the season would have likely drawn nothing but disbelieving laughter.

Back then the Japan international was considered a liability and was likely at his lowest ebb during his spell at St Mary’s, having committed a few costly gaffes that harmed his reputation and drained him of all confidence.

The 28-year-old wasn’t helped by Ronald Koeman’s decision to select him at right-back - a position which he clearly wasn’t equipped for.

All of that is history now, but also acts as a reminder of just how far Yoshida has come this season, especially in the second half of the campaign.

Jose Fonte and Virgil van Dijk were superb together at centre-back in the early part of the season but, after the former had departed for West Ham and the latter suffered a foot ligament injury, Saints had to turn to their long-serving alternative, Yoshida.

He and Jack Stephens have together performed admirably at central defence during a difficult period.

Yoshida has had to be very patient for his chance, having prominently been a back-up since his arrival in 2012, and now he’s got it he’s really proving what a top professional he is.

He’s found consistency, having had a decent run in the team, and has moved away from his previous error prone ways.

“I have been waiting for this chance for a long time,” he said. “Now I have to show everyone who I am.

“I’m showing it now, but if it’s not enough I will understand and I must keep showing a good performance until the end of the season and even more, for the next two or three years.”

He may return to his third-choice berth at some point, but he should be recognised for his efforts this term and that is why he’s a contender for the Daily Echo’s Player of the Season Award.

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