Southampton vs Fulham - 5 Reasons Why Saints Will Continue Wonder Run

3. A Young Squad Mixed With Champions League Experience

As has always been the case, Southampton's youth system is among the best in the world. Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Alan Shearer and Matt Le Tissier have all come through our youth system. Now the current crop of young stars has equally bright futures in the game. Captain Adam Lallana has come through the ranks to be a stalwart in our side in recent years and puts in consistently high level of performances. We have two full backs in Calum Chambers and Luke Shaw, who have come through our youth system, who have the potential to be future England full backs. Luke Shaw especially. James Ward-Prowse has shone since his introduction against Manchester City on the opening game of the 2012-13 season, and has since moved from centre midfield to the right wing, and has continued to flourish, with one of the best cross completion record in the Premier League so far this season. He has, just this week, played a star role for the Under 21 side with a stunning free kick in the 5-0 win against Lithuania. However, we have also drafted in other potential internationals from other clubs. Nathaniel Clyne, signing from Crystal Palace last summer, has been superb for us at right back, and will no doubt join Luke Shaw as a future long term England full-back. Jay Rodriguez, signed for a then-club-record £6 million from Burnley has shown much promise, after a slow introduction. Since the turn of the year, he's been a fantastic option to partner Rickie Lambert up front. Above all though, Morgan Schniederlin has been one of the best signings the club has ever made. Signing in 2008 after turning down Arsenal, Chelsea, and arch rivals Portsmouth, he has shown remarkable loyalty, staying with us after relegation to League 1 and showed patience as we made the climb back up to the Premier League and has since reaped the plaudits he deserves. He won every Southampton Player of the Season award going last year, and has been in England for 5 years, so may soon qualify for the national side- hint, hint Roy! This side is young and hungry for success, and if we don't make it this year, our squad is both young and tied to long term contracts, so will undoubtedly come again. We have also signed players with Champions League experience. Dejan Lovren played three times against Real Madrid in two difference Champions League campaigns, Daniel Osvaldo played three Champions League games, Victor Wanyama scored against Barcelona in a 2-1 victory for Celtic and Artur Boruc has kept clean sheets against Manchester United and AC Milan. Even substitute centre back, Jos Hooiveld has experience in the Champions League. We have players who are of a high enough quality to take on the top clubs in the world and if we continue to perform as we have done over the past 8 games, they will continue to attract a similar calibre of players.