Southampton’s automatic promotion hopes were kept alive on the weekend, as they defeated Watford 3-2 at St Mary’s Stadium.
It was a topsy-turvy game, as Saints raced into a two-goal lead inside the opening 20 minutes before being brought level in the 85th minute.
It was their leaky defence that caused them the scare but as it happens, Russell Martin‘s side fought back to find a winner in the ninth minute of stoppage time, sending the 30,000 fans in attendance into total elation.
Speaking post-match, Martin made a bold claim.
Russell Martin thinks Flynn Downes is the best player in the Championship
The former Swansea City boss made a bold claim following Southampton’s 3-2 victory over Watford on the weekend. Martin suggested that Flynn Downes was the best player in the division.
“The one who deserves to score, it would have to be him (Downes), I think,” the 38-year-old said.
“The way he’s played over the season he’s been here. A loan player, the commitment. I think he’s the best in the league for a lot of reasons. He’s shown it again with this performance.”
READ MORE: Southampton ace Flynn Downes dominates one impressive statistic during Watford win
Downes, who is on loan from West Ham United, joined the South Coasters last summer and has looked every inch of a Premier League player throughout the campaign.
Whilst Martin’s claim is certainly an audacious one, perhaps there’s an element of truth in it, particularly when you take a look at his statistics.
Flynn Downes has enjoyed a phenomenal season
We all know Downes is a phenomenal footballer and on the ball, he’s pretty much second to none in the Southampton squad, but off the ball, he’s been exceptional, too.
As per Fotmob, the 25-year-old has averaged the most interceptions per game, clocking in at 1.7, and he’s also managed the third most blocks, only behind Jan Bednarek and Taylor Harwood-Bellis.
Downes is certainly a player the club would love to keep, though, transfer expert Graeme Bailey revealed exclusively to Southampton F.C. News that his permanent signature would very much be dependent on the transfer fee.
Indeed, a lot will depend on what division Saints end up in, as that will likely dictate their transfer budget this summer.