Southampton’s climb up the Championship table was made more difficult than any other side following a point deduction to begin the campaign, but the Saints have ensured this setback hasn’t defined them.

Southampton were deducted four points to begin the 2026/27 Championship season after being found guilty of spying on opponents last season, but Tonda Eckert’s side are doing everything they can to ensure this doesn’t affect them come May.

Had they not been handed a point deduction to begin the season, the Saints would sit in 2nd after 12 games, behind only Middlesbrough in the table, with impressive victories over the likes of Millwall, Swansea City, and West Ham United.

The likes of Cyle Larin, Leo Scienza, and Finn Azaz are just as important as ever to the Southampton side, though naturally, there have been a few unsung heroes along the way, with few more fitting of that title than right-back James Bree.

James Bree has become an integral figure at Southampton under Tonda Eckert

Bree, 28, has emerged as Eckert’s preferred option at right-back ever since the German assumed control at St Mary’s following the dismissal of Will Still in November 2025.

With two goals and one assist in 12 games so far this campaign, including the winner in the derby against Portsmouth and a thunderous strike against West Ham United, which is sure to be a contender for goal of the season.

The Englishman is one of the first names on the teamsheet at St Mary’s right now, and for good reason, though his journey to this point wasn’t a straightforward one by any means.

Southampton signed James Bree for just £750k from Luton Town

Coming through the ranks of Barnsley, Bree first made a name for himself with the Tykes, making 61 appearances in South Yorkshire before securing a move to Aston Villa in January 2017.

Bree would struggle to integrate himself into the first team picture at Villa Park, joining Ipswich Town and Luton Town on loan, eventually securing a permanent move to Kenilworth Road in the summer of 2020.

Three years with the Hatters followed, helping the club maintain their position in the Championship before joining Southampton in January 2023 for a mere £750k, which now looks like a bargain.

Tonda Eckert brought James Bree back into the Southampton fold and has been rewarded

Upon his arrival, Bree found himself competing for minutes at right-back with Tino Livramento and Kyle Walker-Peters, and as a result, was more often than not limited to game time from the bench.

Former head coach Still brought Danish duo Mads Roerslev and Elias Jelert to the club in the summer of 2025, and allowed Bree to head out on loan to Championship rivals Charlton Athletic, whilst Ronnie Edwards also earned minutes in that position for the Saints.

However, since Eckert replaced Still at the helm in Hampshire, the German has made a few key personnel decisions. Bringing Daniel Peretz and Cyle Larin to the club on loan in January certainly boosted the level of performance in the squad, but recalling Bree from his loan at The Valley in the same window has arguably been an ever bigger masterstroke from the German boss.

Since his recall to the side, Bree has played virtually every minute under Eckert, and now, undoubtedly one of the best and most consistent full-backs in the league, has been duly rewarded for his decision to do so.

What have you made of James Bree's return to the Southampton side? Where does he rank among the best full-backs in the league right now? Share your thoughts below!

James Bree will be key to Southampton’s Premier League prospects this season

Southampton are well and truly in the Championship automatic-promotion battle this season, and any hopes the Saints have of returning to the top flight will hinge on players like Bree maintaining their high level of performance.

Of course, each of Larin, Scienza, Lewis Dobbin, James Ward-Prowse, Jack Stephens, and Peretz will play crucial roles alongside Bree, but whereas they have an obvious backup in the pipeline, Bree does not.

The 28-year-old, who now has over 250 Championship games under his belt across his career, will be pivotal to Saints' hopes of promotion, as Eckert will continue to look to the right-back to lead the charge.