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

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

Although Southampton has had a very dismal start to the season, Russell Martin is aware that he has found some hidden gems during the transfer window.

When Southampton acquired wing-back Yukinari Sugawara from AZ Alkmaar in the summer, it was one of their most promising acquisitions.

The 24-year-old, who has started eight of the Saint’s nine Premier League games this season, has a great relationship with Tyler Dibling and brings endless energy and persistence down the right side.

Despite Southampton’s terrible start that has left them stranded at the bottom of the table, Sugawara has been a bright spot for the team.

Position	Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	For	Against	Diff	Points
18	Ipswich	9	0	4	5	9	20	-11	4
19	Wolves	9	0	2	7	12	25	-13	2
20	Southampton	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.

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.

Despite being the youngest of Martin’s centre midfield options, Fernandes has started six Premier League games this season and has perhaps been the most impressive.

The Portugal under-21 player has amazing ball-winning skills, brings the ball forward with such grace, and has a footballing mind that belies his age.

Fernandes displayed some of the aforementioned qualities in the Saints’ 3-2 victory over Stoke City, providing the assist for Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ header and demonstrating why he has been such a fantastic acquisition.