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This article is part of Football FanCast's Loan Watch series, which takes a closer look at those players who are aiming to galvanise their careers away from the spotlight of their parent club.

Since joining Gillingham on loan back at the start of July, young Southampton prospect Alfie Jones has enjoyed a busy time at the Priestfield Stadium.

Naturally a centre-back, Jones has been deployed in numerous positions by Steve Jones, one of which may catch Ralph Hasenhuttl's attention back at St Mary's.

The 21-year-old has appeared at centre-back, defensive midfield and at centre midfield for the Gills, and seems to be doing so in impressive fashion.

Jones was named in the WhoScored League One Team of the Week for his efforts recently, standing proud as the fourth-highest rated player in the XI.

He is certainly doing very well in a Gillingham shirt across a number of positions, but it is his ability to play in a defensive midfield position that should catch Hasenhuttl's eye.

Some Saints supporters on Twitter were certainly keen for a new DM at the club this summer after hearing news of Victor Wanyama's availability, with one saying that he thinks a new midfielder is needed more than a new defender.

Another said that the back four 'needs the extra protection' that a DM would offer, and in Jones' sudden emergence as a capable defensive midfielder, Hasenhuttl may now have an option on his hands in that position that he wouldn't have expected.

The youngster has recorded some pretty impressive stats so far in League One this season, in areas that you would feel are pivotal for a deep-lying player to be excelling in.

Jones has won 3.3 aerial duels per game so far this season, whilst also winning 2.3 tackles.

His efforts in midfield and at centre-back for the Gills have seen him earn one Man of the Match award from his six League One appearances, and there is no doubting that he has presented his parent club with an interesting potential option.

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