Championship stat names Southampton's 2 most underrated stars (fans will agree)

FotMob stats show that Southampton duo Taylor Harwood‑Bellis and Ryan Manning have become the highest‑rated players in the Championship after the Derby win.

Southampton’s 2025/26 campaign is on its way to going down as one of the best in history. Although a promotion is yet to come, the way every Saints player has contributed to the second‑half turnaround has been remarkable.

While the media spotlight remains on goal scorers and creators, a FotMob stat suggests that this promotion push wouldn’t have been as successful without the contributions of two defenders. The players in question are Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Ryan Manning.

After the win over Derby, Taylor Harwood‑Bellis and Ryan Manning now top the FotMob ratings for their positions. With average ratings of 7.35 and 7.40, the Saints duo are the best in their respective roles.

FotMob ratings bring Southampton duo to spotlight

Taylor Harwood-Bellis

As a former Manchester City academy graduate, Harwood‑Bellis’s quality has rarely been questioned. But his loyalty and attitude were a topic of discussion around St. Mary’s last summer.

His individual 2024/25 campaign was no better than Southampton’s collective relegation season. With West Ham interested in signing him after the drop, many fans perceived him as seeking an exit rather than helping the promotion push in the Championship.

Fast forward to now, and the defender has become one of the most loved players at Southampton. His rock‑solid performances are the main reason, but part of the credit also goes to his recent actions that have won over the club faithful.

Recently, Harwood‑Bellis made a silencing gesture toward the Wrexham fans in Southampton’s 5-1 victory at the Racecourse. The referee had played on after a foul on the defender in the build‑up to Wrexham’s only goal, and his celebration resonated with the fans as an act of revenge.

The Saints defender followed it with his recent heroics in the win against Derby County. Although the defender has emerged as a major goal contributor for the Saints, he chose the best occasion to step up.

With Southampton’s playoff decider against the Rams locked at 1‑1, Harwood‑Bellis’s 69th‑minute goal helped the Saints continue their winning run.

The scenes that followed were even more powerful as the defender kissed the Saints badge, showcasing his respect for the St. Mary’s club. Harwood‑Bellis had ended last season on a sour note with the fans, but he is now one of the favourites to win the club’s Player of the Season award.

Ryan Manning

While the 2025/26 campaign has seen Taylor Harwood‑Bellis emerge as a Saints hero again, the redemption story of Ryan Manning has been no less compelling. From having his place in the lineup scrutinised at the start of the season, Manning has now become the highest‑rated left‑back in the Championship.

Notably, a significant portion of Southampton fans preferred Welington over Manning in the pecking order. But the Brazilian’s early injury left the club with no choice but to stick with Manning.

Although Manning was given the opportunity due to a lack of better options, the left-back has made the role his own. Welington may be the better all‑round prospect, but Manning’s goal threat and attacking contributions have added a new dimension to Southampton’s play.

With six goals and four assists this season, he has become a set‑piece specialist. Beyond his free‑kick ability, his delivery from set pieces has elevated the contributions of players like Harwood‑Bellis.

Notably, three of Manning’s four Championship assists have been for Harwood‑Bellis’s goals. The duo previously combined to dominate Leicester in a 3‑0 win, and most recently, Harwood‑Bellis headed home a Manning cross to help Southampton take complete 3 points against Derby.

Beyond being the best in their positions, Manning and Harwood‑Bellis have arguably formed one of the most effective duos in the Championship this season. Southampton will hope for more goals between them as they drive their promotion charge forward.