Southampton manager Russell Martin has backed French striker Sekou Mara to be ‘great’ for Saints ‘in the long-term’.
Mara joined Southampton last summer from Bordeaux for £11 million, but struggled last season in the Premier League, scoring once in 22 appearances, with only four of those being starts.
The 21-year-old has also struggled this season too, making eight appearances so far, but again only one one start.
Martin on 21-year-old’s potential
Speaking to the Daily Echo, Martin said that he really likes Mara and that he has a lot of potential.
“He’s a really young man and a great guy, I really like Sekou.
“How he gets himself into the team is by being the best version of himself he can be every day, and by being all-in with his football.
“He has trained really well recently and will be really disappointed with how he performed last Wednesday because he was not the Sekou we see in training.
“However, it was not an easy game to come on in and when you have an opportunity, sometimes you’re so desperate to do well. I think it comes from that rather than a lack of effort. His opportunities are limited so he wants to do well and when it becomes like that, it’s difficult.”
“He is a young player who hasn’t had a lot of experience on the pitch yet but he is going to be great for us in the long term. He will get another opportunity to get on the pitch and show what he can do because he has really great potential.”
Mara should get more opportunities
So far Mara has struggled, failing to get a single goal contribution so far.
He has been used in various positions under Martin, he started as a right winger in the 5-0 defeat to Sunderland, and came on at central midfield in the draw at Preston North End last week.
This is despite his primary position being a striker. Hopefully Martin will keep his word and give Mara more opportunities, as there is a player in there.