Russell Martin has expressed his delight at having one ‘brilliant’ player in-and-around the Southampton team.
Southampton have got off to a fairly disappointing start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, with two defeats on the bounce and the inability to score a single goal so far.
The Saints couldn’t manage to break through against a 10-man Newcastle United, and they were also seen off in a 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest at St Mary’s, leaving questions over whether Southampton have the ability in their squad to compete at Premier League level.
Signings have been made this season in abundance, with the likes of Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Flynn Downes returning from their successful loan spell last season, as well as the attacking arrivals of Ben Brereton Diaz and Cameron Archer, however the Saints bringing Adam Lallana back is the capture that caught the imagination of fans.
Despite Lallana not playing a single game so far as he recovers from injury, Southampton manager Russell Martin has opened up on a key role that he is playing off-the pitch for the Saints.
- READ MORE: Micah Richards says what Southampton must do as ‘alarming’ issue raised in Nottingham Forest defeat
Russell Martin reveals key people played by Adam Lallana
The Lallana signing was always going to be a hit with the Southampton fans, and despite not registering a single minute of action on the pitch, he is already helping the squad with his ‘leadership and football intelligence’.
Per the Daily Echo, Martin said: “He’s [Lallana] been brilliant.
“To be on the pitch was not the only reason we signed Adam. I said that at the time. He’s going to really drive things for us with the players in that group and be a voice.
“He’s been brilliant for the group. He’s back on the grass now and, hopefully, he’ll be involved in the next week or two, but he’s not just a player for us.
“It’s about everything that he brings in terms of leadership and football intelligence and belief in the style of play that we have and understanding the club.
“He knows what the young guys have been through because he’s been there. It’s going to be hugely important for us. He’ll be a really, really important signing.
- READ MORE: One Russell Martin decision could now spell the end for Southampton ace he thinks is ‘so good’
Adam Lallana could turn the tide of Southampton’s season
Whilst it is incredibly early to suggest that Southampton are guaranteed to be looming in-and-around relegation this campaign, it is likely that they will be in the lower-echelons of the table.
As shown by the first two seasons, Southampton have almost been crying out for an experienced head in the centre-of-the-park, and whilst they don’t seem to have that in their current starting side, Lallana will certainly bring that element to the side when he returns from injury.
The 36-year-old has already made a significant and positive impact on the players off-the pitch, and there is no doubt that he will be able to follow suit when out on the grass.
On the surface it looked to be a signing to appease Southampton fans, however there is so much value on top of that which is brought to the side by Lallana, and there is no doubt that he will make a significant difference when he returns.