Southampton manager Russell Martin has been left impressed by what he has seen from one of the players brought in this summer to help get the squad ready for the Premier League.
Southampton have been back in pre-season training since early July and are set to face Eastleigh in their first of seven friendlies on Friday night before starting the season proper away at Newcastle United on 17th August.
Russell Martin will be doing all he can to ensure his squad has the best possible chance of top flight survival this season and part of that involves new signings.
So far, the Saints have made secured seven permanent arrivals, with Flynn Downes the most recent of these having being announced as a Southampton player at a kit launch event on Tuesday.
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Martin will undoubtedly want more additions but will be content with how Southampton have started the transfer window and the Saints boss has now spoken on his new signings, revealing the player who has blown him away.
Russell Martin impressed by ‘incredible’ Adam Lallana upon Southampton return
Of the arrivals, two have been brought in for free as experienced Premier League duo Adam Lallana and Charlie Taylor signed upon the expiration of their respective contracts.
In signing Lallana, Southampton secured the return of a player who came through the academy at the St Mary’s club before helping them to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League and helping Saints become an established Premier League side.
The attacking midfielder secured a £25 million move to Liverpool in 2014, but has now returned as a 36-year-old to add invaluable experience to a relatively youthful Southampton side.
Lallana has not just been signed for that purpose, though, and still has plenty to offer on the pitch.
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After seeing him up close, Martin now knows this is certainly the case, as he has been left impressed by the veteran.
Speaking in an interview posted on The Stomping Ground Youtube channel, Martin commented: “Adam Lallana, wow, what a footballer. He’s only been back for two weeks and incredible.”
The Southampton manager went on to express his delight with the other arrivals he has seen in training so far, saying: “Woody [Nathan Wood], obviously worked with before, love him.
“Ronnie Edwards was one of the most sought after guys in the EFL and brilliant footballer. And then Charlie Taylor feels like he’s been here forever. He’s just such a nice boy, yeah brilliant.”
Lallana should have big part to play for Southampton in Premier League
Lallana has amassed 291 Premier League appearances across a career which has seen him win the English top flight and Champions League.
The 34-cap England International has shown over the course of the last four seasons at Brighton that he is incredibly adaptable, playing as an attacking midfielder, holding midfielder, striker and a winger.
Martin has likely earmarked Lallana for the attacking midfield position vacated by the recent departure of Stuart Armstrong and, despite his age, he should be a real asset.
Lallana played 30 games for Brighton in all competitions last season and his footballing intelligence combined with his ability should see him slot seamlessly into Martin’s side.