Russell Martin now knows he pulled a transfer blinder at Southampton with ‘exceptional’ talent

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It’s been a bitterly disappointing start to the season for Southampton but Russell Martin knows he’s unearthed some gems in the transfer window.

One of the most promising signings Southampton made in the summer was the capture of wing-back Yukinari Sugawara from AZ Alkmaar.

The 24-year-old has started in eight of the Saint’s nine Premier League matches this term, injecting boundless amounts of energy and tenacity down the right flank while forming a fantastic partnership with Tyler Dibling.

Sugawara has been a shining light for Southampton during a horrendous start, which sees them rooted to the foot of the table.

Position	Team	Played MP	Won W	Drawn D	Lost L	For GF	Against GA	Diff GD	Points Pts
18	IpswichIpswich	9	0	4	5	9	20	-11	4
19	WolvesWolves	9	0	2	7	12	25	-13	2
20	SouthamptonSouthampton	9	0	1	8	6	19	-13	1

While there are rare positives to pick out this season so far, the Japanese international isn’t the only signing who has impressed.

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Mateus Fernandes replaced Charly Alcaraz at Southampton

During the summer, Martin overhauled his Southampton midfield, with Adam Lallana joining on a free transfer and Flynn Downes making his loan move from West Ham permanent.

Those two signings have been overshadowed by the £15 million addition of Mateus Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon.

The 20-year-old essentially replaced Charly Alcaraz in the engine room, who completed a transfer to Brazilian side Flamengo for around the same price.

Fernandes, although the youngest of Martin’s central midfield options, has arguably been the most impressive, starting in six Premier League matches this term.

The Portugal under-21 international carries the ball forward with such elegance, has tremendous ball-winning abilities and possesses maturity beyond his years with his footballing brain.

In the Saints’ 3-2 win over Stoke City, Fernandes showcased some of the above elements, laying on the assist for Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ header while enforcing why he’s been such an amazing signing.

Fernandes’ key Southampton statistics

According to FBref, Fernandes is statistically similar to Aston Villa’s Youri Tielemans and Arsenal’s Declan Rice; two of the league’s best in their position.

The Portuguese metronome ranks in the top 16% of Premier League’s midfielders for progressive carries per 90, the top 11% for successful take-ons and the top 11% for tackles.

Fernandes has instantly adapted to the physical and technical demands of England’s top flight, as highlighted by the above table.

So, as long as Fernandes continues to show his ‘exceptional’ talent, the midfielder’s value will continue to skyrocket.