It was a busy summer at Southampton as Russell Martin looked to build a squad capable of Premier League survival.
That saw 14 first-team signings made and it is fair to say there have been mixed levels of success amongst Southampton‘s arrivals.
Japanese right-back Yukinari Sugawara has been a revelation, whilst Mateus Fernandes and Aaron Ramsdale both look good signings for Russell Martin.
However, Lesley Ugochukwu, Max Cornet and Ben Brereton Diaz have all struggled to make an impact so far.
Striker Cameron Archer netted his first league goal since signing in the summer against Arsenal on Saturday and Southampton will hope this now kickstarts the forward in front of goal.
- READ MORE: Cameron Archer highlights the one thing Southampton failed to do in Arsenal defeat, it’s a worry
Aaron Ramsdale already proving his worth at Southampton
Martin finally saw his goalkeeper situation addressed on Deadline Day with a deal of up to £25 million agreed for Ramsdale.
This was an emphatic backing of Martin by owners Sport Republic and despite conceding 13 games in four games the former Arsenal man has still managed to impress.
Ramsdale is a positive personality and has experience of battling relegation with Sheffield United and Bournemouth which could be really useful for Southampton this season.
Now, The Athletic have revealed that the 26-year-old has quickly emerged as a central figure in the Saints dressing room, explaining: ‘Scrapping for points at the bottom of the table is not something he shies away from and he quickly established himself as a big character at Southampton and inside the dressing room’.
Ramsdale a big fan of Russell Martin
Southampton will need big personalities and Ramsdale can join Adam Lallana, Jack Stephens and Flynn Downes in helping lead the side.
The goalkeeper had options in the summer with Wolves and Ajax both also keen on a move, but ultimately signed for Southampton and Martin was key to that.
The Athletic’s report claims that Ramsdale’s ‘admiration for Martin has only increased since joining and, despite the results, he has loved playing for — and being at — the club’.
- READ MORE: Aaron Ramsdale shares intriguing insight into how Russell Martin wants Southampton to play
Martin is a very good man-manager and the love he has shown Ramsdale has reportedly been key to the stopper regaining his confidence after being cast aside by Arsenal.
Whilst it has been a difficult start to life at St Mary’s for Ramsdale, Southampton fans know his signing has greatly improved their chances of survival this season.