'Absolutely terrific' - Shea Charles wows Southampton fans from 2-0 Italy loss

Southampton fans wax lyrical over Shea Charles’ performance for Northern Ireland against Italy in the World Cup qualifier.

The March International break hasn’t been a brilliant affair for Southampton. Fin Azaz and Ryan Manning have taken heat for the errors that cost Ireland World Cup qualification, while Daniel Peretz’s half‑hour cameo against Georgia was nothing to boast about either.

While another Saint, Shea Charles, received a World Cup heartbreak with Northern Ireland, he has been the only bright spot for Southampton fans.

That’s because Charles shone in the high-stakes World Cup qualifier semi-final against Italy. Though he ended up on the losing side, he lived up to his pre‑match promise to deliver his best for Northern Ireland in a pressure contest.

Shea Charles was ever-present in the game against Italy. Despite being tasked to provide stability in the middle of the park, he overperformed by excelling as a deep‑lying playmaker while still handling his defensive duties.

In the 19th minute, he laid off a pass to Ethan Galbraith for Northern Ireland’s best goalscoring opportunity for the first half. Apart from this, he kept pushing for a consolation goal until the final whistle.

Deservedly, Shea Charles received one of the highest Fotmob match ratings(7.1) for Northern Ireland.

Fans react to Shea Charles’ mesmerising display

While other Northern Ireland players succumbed to Italy’s intensity, Shea Charles was a distinctive presence for the nation. His display was so effective and noticeable that it has fans waxing lyrical about him.

One Southampton fan particularly singled out his ability to relieve pressure in the middle of the park. The supporter mentioned: “Every time I’ve watched Shea Charles, I like the press-resistance and dribbling + some ground dueling.”

One particular movement of Shea Charles has had Saints fans left in awe of his quality. Around the hour mark, Charles received the ball from Galbraith in a pressure situation with three Italian players closing him in.

However, the Saints star glided past Retegui, Nico Barella and Locatelli before dribbling past Sandro Tonali to relieve pressure from Italy’s high press. To witness such composure and skill from a 22‑year‑old had fans re‑examining his credentials once again.

The supporters grew united in acknowledging, “Every time I see Shea Charles, I’m baffled he doesn’t play in the Premier League. An absolutely terrific midfielder.”

Shea Charles’ current level is the product of thriving in the intensity of the Championship from a young age.

Last season, Charles made it to the nomination for Championship Young Player of the Season while bagging the fans’ Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season for Sheffield Wednesday. He has continued his development this season and looks ready to make the jump to the top flight.

Southampton will have challenges in retaining Charles this summer

Shea Charles belongs to the same category of talents as Mateus Fernandes and Tyler Dibling that Southampton has nurtured in recent years. Even if the Saints themselves fail to reach the Premier League this term, fans are convinced Charles will be playing there next season.

One fan made the honest admission: “Would assume he will be there next season one way or the other. Hopefully after we’ve won the playoffs, but would imagine he’ll be one of the easiest to sell for good money if we don’t go up.”

Like in the case of Mateus Fernandes or Dibling, Southampton can command a high transfer fee for Charles’ sale. Having drawn comparisons to Jobe Bellingham(who bagged a £27m move to Dortmund), the Saints can expect a fee in the range of £30m for Charles.

If Shea Charles were to leave, Southampton fans would want to relish him as much as they can in the final stretch of the season.

One Saints supporter sounded adamant about how Charles’ game time at the club has been compromised due to the presence of Flynn Downes. He said: “Good player. Currently being overshadowed by a certain Flynn Downes though.”

Shea Charles’ ceiling is well above the Championship level. Although the midfielder hasn’t commanded much game time compared to last season, it’s been due to Southampton’s plan of using him cautiously while relying on Flynn Downes as an untouchable starter.

But Charles has already shown the confidence to shine on the biggest stage. If lucrative offers arrive this summer, Southampton shouldn’t be surprised if he departs.