Perhaps the best of our signings last summer, Ryan Bertrand has gone on to be the best English left back in the country.
Last season I expressed my opinion that Luke Shaw was not all that going forward, whilst he was still a Saints player I was rather shouted down on that, but I pointed out that his inability to take on his man down the line and put in a decent cross proved my point.
This was highlighted at Manchester United and perhaps Saints fans realised the flaw in Shaw's game when they watched his replacement Ryan Bertrand in action, from an early start he showed that not only did he have the defensive capabilities of Shaw, but his attacking play was much more incisive.
He was also very consistent playing 34 of the 38 league games with the bulk of those missed through a 3 match ban.
All in all he was a shrewd signing and one i was very glad when the initial loan was made permanent with the £10 million price tag looking a bargain when compared to the £30 million we received for Shaw.
It was an example of just what Saints need to do if they are to keep progressing, we are always going to lose our best players, but if we use the money wisely each and every year we will get stronger still.
For me Bertrand was our player of the year and that was backed up by his inclusion in the PFA team of the year and breaking back into the England squad. I think he shaded it over Jose Fonte only by the fact that he continued his consistency right to the end of the season.
Bertrand's career so far is typical of how youth never gets a chance at Chelsea and turning 25 when we signed him he had spent most of his time away from Stamford Bridge on loan, never really getting the chance to shine.
Joining Saints though was a big boost to his confidence and right from the off he looked a different player than he had been on loan at Villa the previous season.
Hopefully as he comes into his prime he will continue to improve and help us take another step forward in the coming season.
In conclusion a vital signing for Saints and the best one of last summer.