Early Championship Team of the Season out with 3 Southampton players

Fotmob’s provisional Championship Team of the Season includes three Southampton players in Ryan Manning, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and fan-favourite Léo Scienza.

Southampton’s win over Oxford secured their place in the playoff zone heading into the March international break. With two weeks of rest ahead, the players can recharge for the final stretch of the season.

On the other hand, the final break in the campaign sparks speculation about promotion among pundits and analysts. Additionally, discussions around the Team of the Season have already begun, ahead of the final month of the regular campaign.

Notably, Southampton are well positioned in both respects. After pundit Jobi McAnuff hailed the Saints for a playoff spot, three Saints have been named in FotMob’s provisional Championship Team of the Season.

Southampton players to make it to Fotmob’s Team of the Season

Ryan Manning-LB

It’s been a once-in-a-lifetime season for Ryan Manning so far. Not only has the 2025/26 campaign been Manning’s best one in terms of his statistical output, but the way he has responded to doubts regarding his role has been remarkable.

Notably, Ryan Manning started the Championship season as Southampton’s second-choice left-back behind Welington. But his Player of the Match cameo in the season opener, followed by Welington’s injury, handed him the starting role, and he has never looked back.

Though Manning has been susceptible in defence at times, it’s been a magical season for him overall. His FotMob average rating of 7.38 reflects a balanced contribution at both ends of the pitch.

Being one of the few players from the 2023/24 promotion‑winning squad, the Saints will look to him to guide the younger players through the decisive stretch of the season.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis-CB

Initially, there were doubts whether Harwood‑Bellis would move to a Premier League club or stay to help Southampton in the Championship. However, the defender delivered the best of both worlds by bringing his Premier League quality to the Championship.

With a FotMob average rating of 7.33, Taylor Harwood-Bellis is the second-highest centre-back, only behind Boro’s Luke Ayling. His threat from set‑pieces, combined with his trademark solid defending, has been key to his high rating.

Thanks to his brilliant coordination with Ryan Manning on corners, Harwood-Bellis has 5 goals to his name. And that’s without factoring in his line‑breaking passes and assists.

Recently, Harwood‑Bellis played one such brilliant pass to Tom Fellows, who then delivered a perfect cross for Cyle Larin to finish. If the centre‑back maintains this rich vein of form through the final stretch, Southampton could well be on their way back to the Premier League.

Léo Scienza-LW

The final Saint to make FotMob’s provisional Championship Team of the Season is fan‑favourite Léo Scienza.

As with several Saints players, Tonda Eckert’s arrival has helped maximise Scienza’s output. While his contributions were significant even in the first half of the season, Eckert’s decision to move him into a wider role has done Southampton the world of good.

Given Scienza’s Brazilian flair and the capability to create chances out of thin air, he’s formed a great partnership with Fin Azaz and other forwards. Having racked up 14 goal contributions, Scienza boasts an average Fotmob rating of 7.42, being one of the best playmakers in the league.

Though a groin injury has kept Scienza out of action recently, he’s expected to return for Southampton’s final stretch of the season. The winger will arguably be the club’s most important player in the playoffs, and fans will have eyes on him to help them return to the Premier League.