The most recent graduates of the esteemed academy are Jack Stephens and Will Smallbone, and several gifted youth players are currently making their way onto Russell Martin’s starting lineup.
In addition to hiring from the south coast’s surrounding areas, the Saints have made significant investments in a nationwide scouting network.
Joe O’Brien-Whitmarsh, who arrived from Irish club Cork City in January, is a product of the foreign network.
Before signing a contract with Southampton, he was being pursued by a number of teams, including Aston Villa, Leeds United, and Everton.
The 18-year-old midfielder is surprising the staff with one thing after making five appearances for the under-21s in Premier League 2 since his arrival.
Joe O’Brien-Whitmarsh caught Southampton’s coaches off guard.
O’Brien-Whitmarsh is really making an impact at Staplewood, having scored twice in his past two outings.
However, many of the coaching staff are surprised by his pace, as journalist Alfie House of the Daily Echo reports.
After his initial few appearances, some observers were taken aback by O’Brien-Whitmarsh’s lightning-fast pace, House wrote.
O’Brien-Whitmarsh acknowledged that he was surprised by the remarks as well: “My older brother makes fun of me for that since he’s a little faster, but I’ll take that as a complement.
With the ball, I think I run faster than when I don’t! I’m glad to hear that, though.
Despite being just eighteen, the youthful midfield player has already experienced playing for a first team.
Prior to moving to the south coast, O’Brien-Whitmarsh, an Irish youth international, made 27 senior games for Cork City.
He demonstrated his ability to spot opportunities and score from midfield during that period, scoring four goals.
A professional debut might not be too far off if he keeps up his impressive play in Southampton’s reserve squad, as Martin has demonstrated a willingness to promote academy graduates.
This season, Tyler Dibling and Samuel Amo-Ameyaw have both seen opportunities off the bench, and it appears that another Staplewood youngster is getting closer to the starting lineup.
Saints have a good future ahead of them as a number of young players are starting to establish themselves.
All that needs to be done is let them grow at the appropriate pace and not hurry their maturation.
