Ben Brereton Diaz opened his Southampton account just five minutes into his St Mary’s debut with the opener in 1-1 pre-season draw with Lazio.
Russell Martin would have been pleased with how well his Southampton side competed with a top side in Lazio, with the Carlos Alcaraz’ red card the major talking point.
The draw despite a largely second string Saints XI means that Martin’s side have lost just once in six summer friendlies, with Getafe on Saturday the last test before the season begins away at Newcastle United a week later.
Ben Brereton Diaz will be pleased to have got his first Southampton goal so soon into his first start for the club and the latest summer arrival has been speaking about the atmosphere amongst the club ahead of the start of the Premier League.
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Ben Brereton Diaz has ‘really enjoyed’ start to life at Southampton
Brereton Diaz spent the second half of last season on loan at Sheffield United having struggled to make an impact following a summer move to Villarreal.
The 25-year-old was impressive in a really poor Blades side, scoring six goals in 14 top flight appearances.
This was enough to convince Southampton to spend £7 million to sign the Chile international and he has now opened up on his first week at the club.
Brereton Diaz said of the Southampton squad to the official club website: “It’s a top, top group, some great people, players, staff and I’ve really enjoyed myself.
“I’ve only been here a week but settled in really nicely thanks to the players and the staff. So it’s been a good week and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”
Looking ahead to the return of competitive football, Brereton Diaz said: “There’s definitely a bigger excitement in the dressing room, the boys are looking forward to that first Premier League game.
“It’ll be a good atmosphere away at Newcastle so it’s something we’ve got to be prepared for. But I’ve been here a week and the boys have been brilliant, so I’ve got no worries about that. I think we’ll do a great job.”
Good characters key to Russell Martin Southampton recruitment
The positive environment at Southampton is testament to the job Martin has done in his year in charge of the club.
When Martin was appointed following the club’s relegation last summer the club was in turmoil, with a group of players who were all pulling in different directions.
Martin has resolved that and much of that has been down to his recruitment.
Of course the Saints boss wants to sign good players, but just as important to Martin is the character of any potential recruits.
Brereton Diaz fits that criteria and seems to have slotted seamlessly into life at his new club which can only help for the season ahead.