Despite losing all four of their Premier League matches so far this season it is clear that Russell Martin’s Southampton side have some good players.
The likes of Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Flynn Downes and Kyle Walker-Peters were all key to Southampton being promoted last season and have real ability.
Russell Martin has added real quality this summer in the shape of Aaron Ramsdale, Yukinari Sugawara, Lesley Ugochukwu and Mateus Fernandes too, but a first Premier League remains elusive.
Southampton lost 3-0 to Manchester United at the weekend despite a strong start at St Mary’s and one player in particular caught the eye of all who had the pleasure of watching him.
- READ MORE: Alan Shearer claims one thing Southampton did during Man Utd defeat left him quite ‘surprised’
Southampton youngster Tyler Dibling hailed for display vs Man Utd
That player was 18-year-old Tyler Dibling.
Despite the United game being the Southampton academy star’s full Premier League debut he immediately looked at home as he tried to get on the ball as much as possible in the early stages.
A good effort was well saved by Andre Onana before Dibling showed his neat dribbling to beat Diogo Dalot who brought him down for a penalty.
Cameron Archer’s tame spot-kick was saved which proved to be the turning point in the game as United scored their opener just two minutes later, but the performance of Dibling showed former Championship winner Robbie Mustoe more than enough to make a bold claim.
Speaking on The 2 Robbie’s podcast he hosts with Robbie Earle, Mustoe said: “Tyler Dibling, the young kid, the right winger, the little left-footer, what a good little talent he looks like.
“I’m sure we’re going to see a lot more of him. Gets the penalty, absolutely too quick for Dalot there.”
Russell Martin must continue to place faith in Dibling
At Southampton it has always been a case of if you’re good enough you’re old enough.
That is certainly the case with Dibling as Martin unleashed the attacking midfielder from the start after a string of impressive cameos off the bench in they first three league games of the season.
Dibling looked full of confidence playing for a side for whom it is currently a precious commodity after four league losses and just one goal scored.
Southampton have a crucial run of games coming up where they face fellow newly-promoted sides Ipswich Town and Leicester City, as well as Bournemouth and Everton, in the league.
Dibling showed against United he could be integral to the Saints’ chances of success in these games and Martin must continue to allow the youngster to express himself.