Cedric relishing Southampton leadership role

Cedric Soares says his leadership role at Southampton is helping him play his best football ahead of the EFL Cup final against Manchester United on Sunday.

Cedric – who hails from Portugal – has been a lynchpin in Southampton’s run to 11th in the Premier League as well as the EFL showpiece at Wembley.

And the 25-year-old admits the added responsibility thrust upon him by Claude Puel had helped him mature.

“It’s very special for me [to be going to the final], because I feel part of it,” he explained.

“I feel I have a bigger role in the club every day and this makes me feel proud.

(Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

“It’s normal from the beginning that you need to show yourself when you come here, but now I have played many games for Southampton.

“The club also recognises my value. They showed they trust me with the new deal and also now I feel every game more important for the club.

“This makes me feel even more responsibility and the feeling that I want to give more and more for the club, fighting for our fans. I think every player should think.

“If everyone thinks the same way, we will be at a very high level and achieve big things for Southampton.”