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.
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.
Even while this season has had a few bright spots, the Japanese international isn’t the only acquisition that has performed well.
Mateus Fernandes replaced Charly Alcaraz at Southampton
Martin reorganized his Southampton midfield in the summer, bringing in Adam Lallana on a free transfer and bringing in Flynn Downes permanently from West Ham on loan.
The £15 million purchase of Mateus Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon has eclipsed those two acquisitions.
Charly Alcaraz, who transferred to Flamengo of Brazil for about the same amount, was virtually replaced in the engine room by the 20-year-old.
Despite being the youngest of Martin’s center 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.
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.
It’s a competition that has acted as a welcome distraction for Russell Martin, who has watched his side win just one point from their opening nine Premier League games.
Southampton claimed a 5-3 victory over Cardiff City in the second round of the Carabao Cup before beating Everton on penalties and securing a dramatic late win over Stoke.
Goals from Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Adam Armstrong were cancelled out by Ashley Phillips and Tom Cannon.
But just as though it looked like the match was going to penalties, James Bree popped up with an 88th-minute winner, sparking scenes of jubilation all around St Marys.
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