Russell Martin looks to have a real superstar on his hands in the shape of Southampton academy graduate Tyler Dibling.
Southampton have always been a club renowned for their youth products, with Alan Shearer, Matt Le Tissier and Gareth Bale just some examples of a prolific academy.
Now, Southampton have a new talent in 18-year-old Tyler Dibling, with Russell Martin unleashing the teenager for his first Premier League start in the 3-0 defeat to Manchester United last weekend.
Despite defeat, Dibling was a shining light as he tormented Diogo Dalot before the Portugal international was left with no choice but to bring him down for a penalty that was eventually missed by Cameron Archer.
Dibling kept his place in in the crucial clash with Ipswich Town on Saturday and got off to the perfect start as he took a perfectly weighted Adam Lallana pass in his stride before slotting past the Ipswich goalkeeper to put the Saints ahead after five minutes.
Southampton saw three points turn to one as a 95th-minute Sam Morsy strike was deflected into Aaron Ramsdale’s top corner, but nothing can take away from Dibling’s first senior goal.
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Tyler Dibling posts message following first Southampton goal
Martin is a huge fan of Dibling but has been wary of expecting too much from the youngster so early in his career.
However, after a string of impressive cameos off the bench Dibling has now made himself undroppable after his two league starts.
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Dibling showed his confidence and quality as he sent Arijanet Muric the wrong way to slot home and posted on Instagram after the game a picture of him walking out the tunnel before kick-off with the caption: “Great feeling scoring in the premier league.”
Southampton players past and present react to Dibling’s first senior goal
Dibling is not the only rising star from Southampton’s academy to feature in the Premier League this season, with fellow 18-year-old Sam Amo-Ameyaw also involved.
Amo-Ameyaw was quick to react to Dibling’s post, posting a heart emoji, as did Jayden Meghoma who recently left Southampton to sign for Brentford.
Dynel Simeu, who recently left Southampton following the end of his contract, commented “star boy”, whilst another former youth teammate of Dibling’s, Jimmy-Jay Morgan responded “cheat code”.
Shea Charles is on loan at Sheffield Wednesday this season but is clearly keeping tabs on his parent club, as he responded: “So good.”
Dibling is showing maturity far beyond this years and has been Southampton’s most threatening attacker since coming into the starting XI.
Martin will continue to manage the youngster but will hope he can continue his fine start to life in senior football.