Koeman very pleased with Caulker's arrival

With Florin Gardos ruled out through injury for a lengthy period, Koeman had only José Fonte and Maya Yoshida available as his senior central defenders until Caulker’s arrival on loan from QPR. 

The 23 year-old makes the move after a couple of difficult seasons at Cardiff City and QPR, with Koeman confident it’s the perfect chance for Caulker to prove himself.

“We’re very pleased to have him because we need players in that position,” Koeman told youtube.com/southamptonfc. “We need the competition there.

“He is still a young player and he’s already made his debut in the national team. He had a difficult season last year with QPR and for Steven it’s a good opportunity to be part of the Southampton family.

“I had a good talk with him, a very positive one. He looks like a good professional and good professionals are happy and involved at Southampton.

VIDEO: @RonaldKoeman gives his reaction to the signing of @QPRFC defender Steven Caulker. https://t.co/XMHI0rXsOq

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) July 29, 2015

“It’s a good signing for us because we are a little bit weaker in that position than others in terms of numbers. We now have a player with experience in the Premier League and that’s very important.”

Having enjoyed a successful loan spell at Swansea City three seasons ago, Koeman believes Caulker can settle in quickly to the style of play Saints like to adopt.

“We know that and we are always looking for players who know and are involved in how we play football,” Koeman added.

“We like to build up and we look for players in the defence who can build up the play from behind. That’s always good to have that sort of player.”