Russell Martin has been left impressed by two of Southampton’s young talents, hinting that they could earn a first-team role this summer.
Southampton kicked off their pre-season fixtures with a 7-1 win over National League Eastleigh on Friday night.
There were a number of new faces on display, with Ronnie Edwards, Charlie Taylor, Nathan Wood and Yukinari Sugawara all playing; the latter scoring in the rout.
There were two players returning as well, as Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Flynn Downes have both made last season’s loans permanent.
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However, it was a young duo that really caught the eye in the first test of pre-season, with Russell Martin suggesting that whether they will be involved next season is very much in their hands.
Russell Martins sets Sam Amo-Ameyaw and Tyler Dibling Southampton challenge
Southampton put out a different XI in each half of the game at Eastleigh’s Silverlake Stadium, with minutes in the tank the most important thing at this stage of pre-season.
However, pre-season always represents a chance for players to impress and show that they should be part of their manager’s plans for the season ahead.
- READ MORE: Three Southampton players who could have last chance to impress Russell Martin in pre-season
That is no different for 18-year-old Southampton pair Sam Amo-Ameyaw and Tyler Dibling, both of whom were in action on Friday night.
Both academy talents were impressive, with Amo-Ameyaw playing from the right wing and Dibling taking up a position in the midfield.
Martin was full of praise for both players after the game and suggested their performances the summer will influence whether they are at the club next season or sent on loan.
Martin told the Daily Echo: “They’re with us. They have a chance to stake a claim. We have a lot of interest in both players, people want to take them on loan.
“But they have to prove that they’re better off staying here and it’s better for them to be here. Yeah, it’s up to them. The ball is completely in their court.
“They know how I feel about them as players. I’m really demanding of them because we have to make sure that they are on it all the time.”
“Tyler was amazing but he had one action with the outside of the boot that fries my brain. But he’s young and he’s brilliant, and knows what I think of him.
He went on to add about the pair: “They are so talented, honestly. We have two of the most talented boys I’ve seen.
“I don’t want to put any pressure on them, and I don’t want people to expect too much of them. We’re going into the hardest league in the world.
“They haven’t played men’s football really. They have played four or five games each. Like I said, we have to be patient. But they are supremely talented, and we have to keep them on and push them in the right way.”
Could Amo-Ameyaw or Dibling break into Southampton first team this season?
From what Martin has said, it sounds as though the Saint boss is going to give both Amo-Ameyaw and Dibling the opportunity to show they are ready for an increased role at the club.
Both players play in positions that Southampton are targeting in the transfer window, with Amo-Ameyaw a winger and Dibbling an attacking midfielder.
- READ MORE: Russell Martin now prepared to break transfer record to sign ‘first class’ Southampton target
Therefore, if either can make their mark then they could convince Martin he does not need to spend on those positions.
It will be very difficult for Martin to give both youngsters Premier League game time given Southampton will be scrapping for every point in their bid to avoid a return to the Championship.
However, the future looks bright for both Amo-Ameyaw and Dibling regardless and, if they are to go on loan, they could really benefit from gaining invaluable experience before returning ready to show Martin they are ready next summer.