Russell Martin has the difficult task of managing a very large Southampton squad whilst trying to find the winning formula in the Premier League.
As yet that is something Russell Martin has been unable to do, with Southampton winless in their first seven league matches of the campaign.
Next up is a huge St Mary’s clash against fellow newly-promoted side Leicester City and Martin knows this is a must-win game for the Saints.
Alongside worrying about what is happening on the pitch, Martin has had to leave a number of his players disappointed on a weekly basis as Southampton’s failure to move on a number of players in the summer has left an overinflated squad.
The likes of Ryan Manning, Ronnie Edwards and Nathan Wood have all found themselves out of the match day squad at times and those left out will be incredibly frustrated.
Southampton need to send Sam Amo-Ameyaw on loan
The more senior players who are missing out on the Southampton squad must be considering their permanent futures.
However, one player who it could be really damaging for is 18-year-old Sam Amo-Ameyaw.
The winger was expected to leave on loan in the summer but a really strong pre-season saw Martin decide to keep him at Southampton.
Amo-Ameyaw came off the bench in the opening day defeat against Newcastle United and scored his first senior goal when starting in the 5-3 Carabao Cup win over Cardiff City in August but has not featured since.
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Therefore, Southampton need to find an EFL loan for the teenager so that they do not stunt his development with another season at youth level when he is clearly ready for senior football.
Russell Martin rates Amo-Ameyaw highly
Amo-Ameyaw has watched on as his age-mate Tyler Dibling has taken the Premier League by storm this season and Martin believes the pair have incredibly bright futures.
- READ MORE: Aaron Ramsdale claims Southampton teammate has ‘bright future’ amid Jack Wilshere comparison
Speaking on the duo in pre-season, Martin told the Daily Echo: “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.”
With the arrival of a Ryan Fraser and Maxwel Cornet on Deadline Day, it is unlikely that Amo-Ameyaw will get too many opportunities and therefore a January loan could prove invaluable.