Wed Aug 28, 2024 10:42 am
Southampton’s trip to Wales sees an opportunity for new signings Lesley Ugochukwu and Mateus Fernandes to gain valuable minutes.
"He needs to be the guy," said Martin on Ugochukwu. "He needs to be the king in the middle of the pitch. It will be great for him to be on the pitch rather than just at training being pushed around and told where to go.
"Matty Fernandes is a top talent, clubs all over Europe were looking at him. I think you saw a bit on Saturday of what he can bring."
So Saints supporters could well see another debut for the club in "Big Les" and that will be the one everyone will be looking at, can he be the man to step into the centre of the park and boss it.
We lacked that against Forest and although some complained about the inability of Joe Aribo & Will Smallbone to step into the gap when we were in attacking mode , that had a lot to do with the defensive duties they both had to perform, as the visitors pressed forward.
With Ugochukwu in the middle of the park that may well allow us to employ a more attacking central midfielder.
Martin also had a few words for Tyler Dibling, a player that looked impressive in his cameo role on Saturday.
"Tyler Dibling is very close and probably unlucky not to be playing in the team after his pre-season,"
"He's had two appearances off the bench and did really, really well on Saturday. Just that last little end product, which he's 18, that will come.
"He needs to play well tomorrow night and put himself even more in the frame for the team because he's been really, really impressive."