Andoni Iraola has now named the two Southampton players who can cause his Bournemouth side a huge ‘threat’ on Monday night.
Southampton have emerged from their opening five Premier League matches with some positives despite recording four defeats.
Flynn Downes has looked at home in England’s top flight since making his move from West Ham permanent this summer.
Downes has covered the most ground of any other player in the Premier League, with the 25-year-old showcasing his incredible talent at the base of midfield.
The all-action midfielder isn’t the only player to emerge with some credit from the opening weeks of the season, as 18-year-old Tyler Dibling and wing-back Yukinari Sugawara have been Russell Martin’s bright sparks.
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Andoni Iraola on Tyler Dibling and Yukinari Sugawara
Dibling has emerged as the brightest star from Southampton’s academy this season and has established himself in the starting XI.
The electric winger made his full debut Premier League against Manchester United and tore Diogo Dalot to shreds before scoring his first senior goal in the 1-1 draw at home to Ipswich.
Dibling – who the Saints are keen to tie down to a new deal – has developed a promising partnership with Japanese international Sugawara down the right.
Sugawara was captured from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar for £6 million this summer and has instantly immersed himself to the Southampton faithful with some excellent displays.
Ahead of their trip to Bournemouth on Monday, manager Andoni Iraola has pinpointed Sugawara and Dibling as Martin’s two main ‘threats’ that they must be wary of.
“It is noticeable when you are 18, to play like this,” Iraola said of Dibling via the Daily Echo. “He’s one of the threats that we will have to defend but they will be worried also about the threats we have.
“When you face a Premier League opponent, you will have always difficult wingers, difficult number nine to cover,” he continued.
“With Dibling, I think the things he has done, as young as he is, are really, really good. Obviously, you analyse all the information we have.
“He has made a big impact in their games for someone so young. Also, he has a very good combination with the full-back (Yukinari Sugawara).
“I think they’ve been quite threatening on this right side so we will have to be very good defensively on that side.”
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Dibling can become a regular match-winner for Southampton
Dibling’s rise into the Southampton first-team has been phenomenal, announcing his name onto the Premier League stage in some style.
Theo Walcott sees shades of Gareth Bale in Dibling while Martin was left blown away by the youngster in the win over Ipswich Town last weekend.
So far, Southampton have struggled to score goals in the top-flight but Dibling’s fine finish against Ipswich shows he has the composure when chances fall to him in the box.
It isn’t ideal to rely on a teenager to provide the finishing touch however, if some magic from his left foot can hand them the three points at Bournemouth, they won’t mind.