The headlines around Saints' defensive success this season will make you wince. Just one clean sheet in their 15 Premier League games is downright awful and leaves them last in that particular category.

27 goals conceded is third-worst in the division and such defensive issues mean it's no surprise Saints head into the World Cup break firmly entrenched in the relegation zone.

READ MORE: Saints Mid-Season Squad Assessment: The Goalkeeping Department

But those headlines don't necessarily tell the whole story. Injuries and growing pains have meant that as many as 13 different players have operated in Ralph Hasenhuttl and Nathan Jones' defences while they've experimented with back fives and fours.

Through all of this, there has been genuine promise. Mohammed Salisu has returned to the form that made him such an exciting prospect 12 months ago while Armel Bella-Kotchap's impressive arrival onto the English football scene has earned him a spot in Germany's squad for the World Cup.

At full-back there has been a revolving door of personnel with Kyle Walker-Peters and Romain Perraud both struggling with injuries to go with Tino Livramento who is still recovering from the ACL tear he suffered at Brighton in April.

While mitigating factors don't provide a complete pass for Saints' shoddy defending, it does mean there is reason for optimism going forward.

All that and more is discussed in much greater detail in this episode of our Mid-Season Saints Squad Assessment, which can be viewed by clicking on the link below.

https://streamyard.com/d5gxxy3ie4vf

A message from the Editor

Thank you for reading this article - we appreciate your support in reading the Daily Echo.

Subscribing to the Echo means you have unrestricted access to the latest news, features and Saints coverage - all with an advertising-light website.

You will also have full access to Saintsplus, your new home for Southampton FC tactical analysis, features and much, much more.

Don't just take my word for it - subscribe today.

Follow the latest breaking news in the Southampton area by searching Southampton News - Breaking News and Incidents on Facebook

Follow the latest court and crime news on our dedicated group by searching Hampshire Court and Crime News on Facebook