Southampton rank No1 in one eye-opening Premier League statistic.
Southampton’s start to the 2024/25 Premier League campaign has undoubtedly been a struggle up to this point, with them still yet to tally a single point in the league so far, alongside a struggling Everton side, who the Saints beat in the EFL Cup midweek.
The Saints showed certain signs of improvement in the opening 30 minutes against Manchester United last time out in the league, however a missed Cameron Archer penalty completely swayed the tale of the game in the visitors favour.
There has been one clear thing missing in the Saints side so far this season, however there is one clear aspect of the side which will massively benefit Southampton in the long run.
Southampton have ranked as the No1 Premier League side in one key statistic, and it undoubtedly makes Russell Martin’s job much more difficult this season, however the rewards of it could be massive for the Saints.
Southampton rank as the most youth-oriented club in the Premier League
There is undoubtedly plenty of inexperience in the Southampton side at this moment, which at times can prove to be Martin’s achilles heel, however it will undoubtedly have its long-term benefits.
Southampton have been ranked as the most youth-oriented club in the Premier League, per Football Observatory, which has been decided based on the amount of minutes handed to U21 players in domestic league matches, from September 9th 2021 to 2024, with the Saints giving 12.1% of game time to youngsters.
The Saints are above Brighton and Manchester United, who sit in 2nd and 3rd respectively, and Southampton rank 150th in the world for the most game time handed to U21 players.
- READ MORE: Russell Martin surely knows he must unleash ‘elegant’ Southampton star against Ipswich Town
Southampton youth setup will benefit the Saints no matter what happens this season
As game weeks go by, it is becoming evidently clear that Southampton will likely be in the lower echelons of the Premier League fighting for their safety from the drop in divisions.
It will undoubtedly be catastrophic for the Saints if they were to get another relegation under their belt, however the silver lining will undoubtedly be the situation surrounding teenage sensation Tyler Dibling.
Southampton undoubtedly have a win-win situation involving the 18-year-old English winger, as no matter the outcome of the Saints’ season, he will likely help financially if he was to be sold in the summer, particularly if he continues in similar fashion to his brilliant game against Manchester United.
On the other hand, if Southampton do indeed stay up, he will continue to be a brilliant asset for the side, whether he stays at the club for a further amount of time, or they cash in for what would likely be a hefty fee for the young prodigy.