Southampton U21’s clash with Real Madrid U21 highlighted several exciting young talents who impressed with their performances and potential.
These emerging players could play vital roles for the club in upcoming fixtures and are definitely ones to watch.
Bazunu ( GK ): the 23 year old Ireland international played in goal due to lack of first team action and he didn’t look out of place and leaped like a salmon for a last minute assist and as of the other day got back into the saints first team. He also made crucial saves to keep the score down to 1.
Tommy Dobson-Ventura ( CB ):The England u17 and u16 international was a rock at the back and nearly got on the scoreboard just at the end of the first half he is use to scoring getting 2 in 2 for England U16. looked the tallest and most comfortable at the back.
Abdulhalim Okunola ( CB ) :Okunola was on hand to stab home a loose ball on the line in the last minute to give the saints a much earned point. looked calm at the back and could see him out on loan or in the first team soon.
Nathanael Boot (CB): Played 45 minutes and looked a bit shaky at times, struggling to settle into the game, though he showed glimpses of composure when playing out from the back.
Max Fry (CB / LB / LM): A versatile presence this season, Max Fry has featured across the back line and midfield with appearances at centre-back, left-back, and even on the left of midfield. In Premier League 2, he’s made 7 appearances, scoring once and providing 2 assists, while also featuring in the Premier League International Cup. His adaptability and steady performances have made him a reliable option in multiple roles for the U21s. Unfortunately got an injury so only played 20.
Will Merry (RM): Operating from the right, Will Merry impressed with his energy and directness, using his pace to take on defenders and deliver dangerous balls into the box, showing real intent whenever he got on the ball.
Cameron Bragg (CM): He showed real composure and maturity in midfield against Real Madrid, using the ball intelligently and helping to dictate the tempo. Bragg linked play well between defence and attack, showing the vision and awareness that have earned him 3 assists in 6 Premier League 2 appearances this season, along with valuable experience in the Premier League International Cup.
Barnaby Williams (CM/DM): In the clash against Real Madrid U21 he showed solid presence and intelligence between the lines keeping things calm in defensive transition, linking passes with high accuracy (over 92% in the season) and winning 70% of his duels in the Premier League 2 so far (8 appearances, 3 assists).
Romeo Akachukwu (Midfielder): He looked composed and impactful in the game, hooking up play with sharp movement, linking between midfield and attack and even driving into the box around key moments. So far this season in Premier League 2 he has scored 3 goals in 7 appearances. In the Premier League International Cup U21 he has also featured.
Nicholas Oyekunle (ST): He looked sharp, fast, and full of pace, constantly trying to get shots off and beat his marker with his speed. His direct play and attacking intent caused problems for the defence throughout. In the Premier League 2 this season, he has already registered 5 goals and 2 assists, reflecting his strong form in front of goal.
STANDOUT PLAYER
Jay Robinson (AM): The standout player from the Real Madrid game, he made a big impact in just 65 minutes, looking a touch above the rest with his pace, shooting, and vision. He consistently picked out passes and made runs others don’t see, causing real problems for the opposition defence. This season in the EFL Championship he has 12 appearances, scoring 2 goals and providing 1 assist. He has also represented England at U16, U17, and U19 levels, showcasing his talent on the international stage.
