When the summer transfer window ended with Jan Bednarek in an Aston Villa shirt many - likely including the 26-year-old himself - felt that his Saints career was finished.

That certainly seemed the case when he proclaimed his joy at signing for a "bigger club" in his introductory interview at Villa Park. Already not the most popular player amongst the Saints fanbase, those words just cemented the negativity around the Polish international.

But now, just six months later, Bednarek is back with Saints and being relied upon to help drag his side out of the relegation mire. 

Speaking with the Daily Echo after Sunday’s 0-0 draw at Old Trafford, Bednarek opened up on his acrimonious temporary departure last summer.

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“We are not perfect, we are not perfect people. Maybe I said too much,” the centre-back admitted. 

“But the most important thing is I always put everything I have out on the pitch. This is all I can say. I’m really happy to be here, I’m really happy to be with this team. 

“This club gave me a lot and I’m going to do everything I can to keep this club in the Premier League. That’s the most important thing. 

“Life gives us scenarios we don’t expect. I needed the change, but then I decided it was the right thing for me to return to Southampton and help the team. 

“I was convinced that I can do it and I’m just doing everything I can to help the team, to help keep clean sheets, to win games, and to stay in the Premier League.”

Daily Echo: Jan Bednarek pictured during Saints' 2-1 defeat to Wolves.Jan Bednarek pictured during Saints' 2-1 defeat to Wolves. (Image: Stuart Martin)

Brought back by then-manager Nathan Jones, Bednarek slotted into the heart of the Saints defence almost immediately and has been a staple in the side ever since.

Even once Jones was sacked following last month’s dismal defeat to Wolves, new boss Ruben Selles has stuck by Bednarek - starting him in each of his four games in charge.

The stalemate at Old Trafford saw Saints rack up their third clean sheet in their last four games, following just one in the opening 22 fixtures. Junior Firpo’s ugly winner at Elland Road remains the only league goal conceded thus far under Selles's watch.

“I think the whole team is working really hard without the ball,” Bednarek responded when asked about what has changed in Saints' defensive fortunes. 

“I think that’s the main thing. Not only the four defenders and the goalkeeper are defending but everyone on the pitch is working really really hard without the ball. 

“I think we also defend much higher. We’re trying to keep the opposition away from our goal. It’s working quite well and we also had Gavin (Bazunu) behind us who did a great job. 

“So I think we are growing as a team and individually we put better performances in so I think we’re going in the right direction.

“Everyone is working hard, everyone is running back if we lose the ball. But like I said before, we’re defending higher, we’re more aggressive, we’re more compact. 

“We are more of a team. We are working together and we’re on the same page. We know what he to do, we know the plan for the game, and every players knows exactly what they have to do.”