This article is part of Football FanCast's The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...

Southampton’s set-piece king James Ward-Prowse and the striker in-form in Danny Ings were the two Saints players grabbed for an interview on Amazon Prime straight after the club's important 2-1 win against Norwich City on Wednesday night, but there was an unsung hero in Ralph Hasenhuttl's men's ranks who deserved some attention too.

On the chalkboard

Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg may have been an ever-present member of the south coast outfit's starting XI when he has been fit this season – he was only on the bench against Burnley on the opening day having suffered with illness, while he missed the 2-1 defeat against Everton with concussion – but he hasn't been at his best.

The captain has become well known for his committed, all-action displays in the middle of the park, but he has been particularly sloppy in possession throughout the campaign and hasn't been particularly good at protecting a defence that has now conceded 33 times in 15 matches following the victory against the Canaries.

The Dane only has a rating of 6.73 as per WhoScored so far this term, with a pass accuracy of less than 80%.

Different story vs Norwich

Normally Hojbjerg is one of the Southampton players that stands out on the pitch, but it was an unusually understated performance from the Denmark international on Wednesday night – it wasn't a bad thing either as he is someone who can let his emotions get the better of him.

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The 24-year-old went about his business quietly and efficiently alongside Ward-Prowse in the centre of the pitch, and while the Englishman played a key role in the two goals and Ings netted his ninth goal in his previous 10 outings in all competitions, the former Bayern Munich midfielder was also key to the three points.

According to WhoScored, not only did he make three key passes and force Tim Krul into a good save with a long-range effort, but he also won four aerial duels and had more touches – 83 – than any of his teammates.

His most impressive contribution came defensively however, where he won a remarkable eight tackles against Daniel Farke's visitors, as well as making two interceptions.

Hojbjerg may have an even more important role to play with Hasenhuttl seemingly ditching the five-at-the-back system to deploy a 4-2-2-2 in recent weeks, and he will need to do exactly what he did against Norwich to help Saints keeping picking up vital results.

In other Southampton news, Hasenhuttl singled out a 27-year-old for praise after Norwich win, but also revealed his frustration with him last season.