MAYA Yoshida admits that with Saints having so many options at centre-back all of the backline options know they cannot afford any substandard performances – or risk being dropped.

With the return of Virgil van Dijk late on in Saturday’s 1-0 win at Crystal Palace, Saints are even more well-stocked in central defence than before.

Yoshida started alongside £15m summer signing Wesley Hoedt at the back at Selhurst Park, but Mauricio Pellegrino also has Jack Stephens and Van Dijk to pick from.

And with Jan Bednarek on the fringes of the team, Saints’ centre-backs are more than aware that they must perform to keep their places, especially with Van Dijk back in the fold after his transfer stand-off.

“We all know he (Van Dijk) is one of the best players in the Premier League but realistically he has not played for eight months so it is not easy to come back and just play,” Yoshida said.

“He will need a little bit of time. We now have Hoedt and Jack Stephens so we have a lot of competition between players.

“There is no guarantee of anyone being in the team, including myself.

“We all have to ensure every game that we focus for the whole 90 minutes and keep fit. Then it is going to be a good benefit for the team as well.”

The Japan international was pleased Saints managed to record their first away win of the campaign at struggling Palace.

Steven Davis scored an early winner on six minutes and Saints produced a controlled display to seal victory.

“Everyone fought a lot to get the three points,” said Yoshida.

“It is always tough playing against Benteke but we fought a lot and we deserved the three points.

“We needed to get a second goal – then it would have been easier. 1-0 is always dangerous, especially the last 10-15 minutes when they put the ball into the box every time. But we have done really well.”

Mario Lemina’s performance was a particular highlight from Saints’ perspective, with the Gabon midfielder demonstrating why the club splashed out £16m to bring him from Juventus.

The 24-year-old, next to Oriol Romeu, showed his quality as a ball-winner as well as producing a number of good passes to send Saints on the attack.

“After three games, he is getting adjusted a little bit,” said Yoshida. It’s much better than August. I am very happy for him.

“He was man-of-the-match today. It is a quite good squad we have.”