Russell Martin gave a big indication of what he sees as the foundation of the squad that he will have to work with at least in the opening weeks of the the coming season, the result was a defeat, but the team are moving forward.
New manager Russell Martin has set up his stall to play possession football and he has warned that it may take some time to implement, the first few pre season games have seen him experiment with his line ups, which must be very difficult given that half of his squad may not be Southampton players in a months time.
But you can see his squad beginning to take shape and it was about the players that didn't play a part in this game as much as those that did.
The absence of Bella-Kotchap, Salisu and Sulemana have played little part in the pre season and none of them have appeared in the last three friendlies including this one, Tall Paul Onauchu was on the bench for the Az Alkmaar game but didn't get on the pitch.
This suggests that Martin feels that they are not going to be in his squad for the coming season, perhaps they have little injury niggles, but you just have the feeling that the manager doesn't think their attitude is right.
Perhaps Lavia, JWP, Livramento, Alcaraz & Adams may also leave, but they are professionals and have a professional attitude.
So the squad he put out for the visit of the Dutch team AZ Alkmaar who included former Saint Jordy Clasie seems to be getting near what he sees he will put out for the opener at Sheffield Wednesday, but a week is a long time in football and there may well be a few ins and outs even before the trip to Hillsborough.
It is clear though that we need to get rid of several of our central defenders and bring in at least two more, new signing Zach Awe was not in the squad, nor where most of the youngsters who have featured in pre season who were down in Torquay for the B team friendly.
But it was still a strong squad, but still one that Russell Martin can't be sure will be together much longer.
Gavin Bazunu was back in goal and I would expect him to be the number 1 next season, he has made a couple of errors, but they can be sorted out on the training ground and he is the best suited to play out from the back as the manager want.
At the back Shea Charles started the game in a central role again, almost as if to give him a game to get him match sharp for when he surely steps into Romeo Lavia's boots in the next week or so.
James Ward Prowse did start the game and played 73 minutes before coming off for Lavia, it was notable that Will Smallbone played the full 90 minutes and it is likely that he will play a big role in the coming season.
On the pitch Saints looked to be progressing with getting to grips with the possession game, with Charly Alcatraz looking lively, if they can keep him for the coming season, this could make a big difference.
Also busy was Nathan Tella who now look like he will stay after Burnley signed two wingers in the past week.
In truth Saints were the better side, but once again they got their pockets picked, Gavin Baznu almost blocking the shot, but the ball spun up and into the goal.
Aside from Livramento coming off at half time with a minor knock, the manager didn't make any changes until the 73rd minute, Sam Amo-Ameyaw setting up Will Smallbone with a sublime reverse pass, the midfielder curling the ball just wide.
There was plenty to be optimistic about in this game, but no one is pretending that firstly there is the problem of who will stay and who will go and that secondly we really need to bring in an experienced central defender.
There are still those that will point at at Russell Martin's possession game and claim that we will get caught out and finish in the bottom half.
But they should remember that last season Martin got his Swansea side within 3 points of the play offs with a side far worse than Saints in terms of quality, if he could do that with the Welsh club, then there is no reason why he shouldn't do better in the coming season with Southampton.
It might not run completely smoothly, but we should be competitive and able to challenge for promotion at the very least.
The key will be utilising those who might start the season here but leave and getting a good start and then replacing those that leave with quality & experience.