Redmond – Saints youth structure stands club in good stead

Southampton forward Nathan Redmond believes the current youth structure in place at St Mary’s is the perfect indicator of what he hopes can be a successful future for the club.

Saints’ academy setup has been the foundation of their Premier League success in recent years, with Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott and Adam Lallana among those to graduate as youngsters from the club.

That has seen a number of big names make the move away from the south coast over the years, with Virgil van Dijk set to be the latest of those to exit to Liverpool this summer, following the likes of Sadio Mane and Dejan Lovren to Anfield.

But Redmond, who made the step up from Championship side Norwich last summer, feels the youth system is once again thriving, already seeing a number of starlets making their mark on the first team.

Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images

“The club does give opportunities to players,” said Redmond, who is currently on international duty with England at the European Under-21 Championship.

“Prowsey (James Ward-Prowse) has had a long run in the team and done well, Sam McQueen has come through, Matt Targett, Jack Stephens have come in and done really well.

“Then you have the senior players like Fraser (Forster), Charlie (Austin) and Ryan (Bertrand). There is a great bunch of English players and we are technically good players. It’s good for the future of the club.”