The new Southampton signing impressed in the clash against Getafe.
Southampton faced Getafe in their final pre-season game of the season, with the Saints being held to a 0-0 draw against the La Liga side.
The game was overshadowed by what was a highly physical bout with the La Liga outfit, with tensions reaching boiling points between the sets of players.
Nonetheless, it was a chance for Russell Martin to get his side fully ready for the opening game of the Premier League season, especially the new signings which were dotted around the side.
New arrival Yukinari Sugawara managed to impress for Southampton at full-back, whilst Harwood-Bellis and Flynn Downes also started after they returned to the club on permanent deals following successful loan spells in the 2023/24 campaign.
Ben Brereton Diaz also started as part of an attack alongside play-off hero Adam Armstrong, with the Chilean international getting praise for the part he played, as well as how he has started life for Southampton.
Ben Brereton Diaz given ‘signing of the season’ label for Southampton
Brereton Diaz has already impressed for Southampton since his arrival from Villarreal.
The attacker was part of a struggling Sheffield United outfit in the Premier League, which followed up a difficult spell in La Liga with Villarreal.
However, with the Blades he managed to score six goals in 14 in South Yorkshire, which as a result has suggested that Brereton-Diaz will be up to speed ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, especially considering his pre-season performances.
Alfie House has been impressed with what he has seen from the Chilean international so far since his arrival, with him writing on X: “He’s [Brereton Diaz] an absolute monster. Signing of the season. That’s my call.”
Ben Brereton Diaz could replicate Blackburn Rovers form if utilised correctly
Brereton Diaz impressed on the left-side for Southampton against Getafe, although he was taken off after 60 minutes with the game standing at 0-0.
Whilst Brereton Diaz provides movement off the ball and exciting play on the left flank, his main output that will be expected of him is undoubtedly his goal scoring ability.
The winger has an impressive seven goals in 29 appearances for Chile, and has an electric history of goalscoring at Championship level, most notably a 22 goal 2021/22 season in just 37 appearances.
The ability of a goalscorer is clearly there in Southampton’s new arrival, and he is one that they could easily be reliant on this season, with striker options being far from rife at this stage of the summer transfer window.
However, the Saints will feel more confident in relying on Brereton Diaz in the 2024/25 Premier League season, and there is every bit of confidence that the attacker can provide at this level.