Southampton FC 2023/24 season every player final ratings

After each match, we have issued our player ratings - and now we have given each player a score for their contribution over the full campaign.

We have introduced .5 ratings for greater assessment scope when compared to our weekly player ratings after each fixture.

Here is how we rated the match performances of each player - with the exception of academy youngsters - for the entire season...

Saints celebrate promotion (Image: PA)

GOALKEEPERS

Gavin Bazunu - 6.5

Would have remained Southampton's number one but for a cruel injury ending his season early. A year of progress for the Irishman, who had been excellent with his feet in the Martin style of play. Shot-stopping still leaves something to be desired and is a potential long-term problem.

Alex McCarthy - 7.5

Replaced Bazunu after injury in a shock last-minute decision made by the manager. On the whole, repaid that faith with strong shot-stopping and control of his box. Not as good with his feet as Bazunu but this was not a huge problem. Clean sheets in two of three playoff games.

Joe Lumley - 6

Thought to be the backup all season before McCarthy came in ahead of him. Made four appearances in the FA Cup, keeping two clean sheets. Looked good with his feet but the goal conceded at Watford's Vicarage Road was poor organisation and shot-stopping from him.

Alex McCarthy (Image: PA)

DEFENDERS

Kyle Walker-Peters - 8.5

Named in the Championship team of the season. One of Southampton's top performers throughout the season and particularly a threat in attack with a couple of important goals and assists. Defending was a problem on occasion but he went and pocketed Crysencio Summerville.

James Bree - 6.5

Backup defender and his minutes were limited throughout. Spells where he came into the side and was solid, playing regularly during unbeaten run before injury stunted his progress. Another good spell at back end of the season but went downhill after Ipswich sending off. 

Jan Bednarek - 8

Rock solid at the back this season and made 45 appearances out of 48 in the league. So reliable and an organiser of men. Chipped in with a couple of goals and had the highest pass percentage completion rate of any player in the league. Saints lucky to have him.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis - 8

As solid as Bednarek at times with a bit more flair in his option of pass. Made the diagonal balls across the pitch his trademark and Saints created a fair share of goals from them. Played in a couple different positions and systems and only had a couple bad performances all year.

Jack Stephens - 7.5

Loved by the manager for his leadership on and off the pitch. Had to find different ways into the team due to the other two centre-backs and played as a full-back and midfielder at times. Not as tidy in possession as the other two but equally brave and was excellent in the playoffs. 

Ryan Manning - 6.5

Got a lot of stick throughout the season for goals coming down his side and you can probably find a few occasions where you can blame him. However, playing with a high starting position due to the shape and was often key in attack - but did not provide enough goals or assists. 

Mason Holgate - 5 

On loan for the first half of the season and was man of the match against West Brom and had a good second half at Watford in the cup - after a miserable first half admittedly. Otherwise, very poor and at fault for several goals before his loan was terminated in January.

Jayden Meghoma (youth) - N/A

Not giving the under-21 players a score as it's unfair to judge on involvement. Meghoma, however, looked really good against senior opposition when given the chance. His 90-minute performances against Walsall and Watford were impressive for a 17 year old. Well done. 

Kyle Walker-Peters (Image: PA)

MIDFIELDERS

Flynn Downes - 9

Southampton's most important player - their record without him speaks for itself - and the only criticism of Flynn Downes is his availability hampered by either injury or illness. Excellent at the back and going forward, midfield scarcely works without him. If only he'd been fitter - they would have won the whole thing!

Stuart Armstrong - 8

Looked certain to leave last summer but stayed and became an integral player in the attacking midfield. Registered five goals and seven assists in the Championship with some real moments of magic in there. Sometimes tailed off at end of games but to be expected. Missed for finale.

Will Smallbone - 8

Much better when used as a midfield eight than a six and that is not his fault that he got played there. Set the tone for the season with his performance at Sheffield Wednesday but had ups and downs. Ended really strong as club's fourth top scorer and key to midfield fluidity. Very good. 

Joe Aribo - 7.5 

Massive improvement on his first season as a Saints player, in which he had a limited impact against the tide of relegation. Improved as we reached the second half of the season, looking fitter, quicker and stronger. Was missed when he went to AFCON and was a key cog in midfield. 

Joe Rothwell - 6

Scored vital braces against Huddersfield and Sunderland so a fair contribution for a loan player but otherwise did not really look at the races. Struggled to find his home in the team as a squad option and probably only useful in one half of the pitch. Will not be begged to return by fans. 

Shea Charles - 6

Maybe a disappointing season of involvement despite making 32 Championship appearances in the regular season. Most of those were late substitutions and he was sometimes snubbed when his first position was available. Young lad and looks very good against the ball.

Charly Alcaraz - 6

Never got to grips with the system and left on loan in January despite being rewarded with a new contract earlier in the season. Contributed three goals and showed flashes but was not a perfect fit like last season hinted. Also took a panenka penalty and missed, which is .5 down... 

Tyler Dibling (youth) - N/A

Looks like he is top of the pile for the younger attackers, with regular matchday involvement with the senior squad. Made his league debut but mostly featured in the cups, struggling with his start at Watford before impressing at home in the replay. Exciting drive to set up a goal. 

Cam Bragg (youth) - N/A 

Made two substitute appearances in the FA Cup totalling under double figures in minutes and cannot be rated accordingly. Tidy in possession at the base of midfield in comfortable games. Key player for the under-21s and could go on to a first senior loan next season.

Flynn Downes (Image: PA)

WINGERS 

David Brooks - 7 

Tough one to rate having joined in January and showing straight away how much quality he had. Two goals and six assists in 20 Championship matches and his performances in the playoffs when it really mattered bump him up to a seven. Did not always get into games, though. 

Ryan Fraser - 7.5

Came in with the intention of impressing and worked hard to achieve it. Hit six goals by February including vital last-minute winners and when the attacking numbered dried up, he made up for it with work-rate. Man of the match contender at Wembley in a defensive role.

Sam Edozie - 6.5

Red hot patch with four goals in seven matches between December and February but was otherwise in and out of the team. Only started one of the last 14 matches but there is a player in there and he can operate on both sides. He will continue to develop at just 21 years old. 

Kamaldeen Sulemana - 5.5

Kamaldeen Sulemana, unfortunately, flattered to deceive this season after scoring twice against Liverpool back in May but having his summer disrupted by injury. He set up a couple of goals at the start of the season but has done relatively little since. Difficult to see his role in the side. 

Sam Amo-Ameyaw (youth) - N/A

Started the season in the first team and made a really good impact as a substitute against Plymouth in particular. Struggled in his only league start against QPR and has not really had a look-in since but continues to excel for the under-21s. Plenty of promise. 

Ryan Fraser (Image: PA)

STRIKERS

Adam Armstrong - 8.5

Southampton's scorer-in-chief with 24 goals and 13 assists, including the winner in the playoff final. Best numbers of any player in England's top four leagues this season. Well worthy of another crack in the Premier League. Only not a nine due to missing a massive 28 'big chances'. 

Che Adams - 7.5 

Ended the season in excellent form until his injury rendered him unfit in the playoffs. Did not score between August and December but still racked up 16 goals. Saints were a different team without him and not in a good way. He will leave the club with thanks if he does go.

Sekou Mara - 5.5

Scored three in the cup and three in the league and had a spell mid-season during the unbeaten one where he looked decent. However, was not an adequate replacement for Adams come the end of the season. Tendency to disappear in games and has not stepped up despite relegation. 

Ross Stewart - N/A 

Only made a handful of substitute appearances due to injury - really only giving us a look at what he could do in the semi-final away leg at West Brom, where he nearly scored with his only shot of the season. Hopefully, he can step up in the Premier League but it will be a big ask. 

Adam Armstrong (Image: PA)

EVERY PLAYER RATING

Southampton FC player ratings 2023/24 (Image: SDE)