TYLER DIBLING was handed his first Premier League start against Manchester United and made sure everyone took note.
Southampton may have collapsed after their bright start, losing 3-0, but it was still an afternoon to remember for Dibling.
Diogo Dalot will be glad he does not have to see the winger again until January.
He quick turns and direct runs causing the full-back all sort of issues, ending in Dibling winning a penalty from the Portuguese international, which was eventually missed by Cameron Archer.
For a teenager tipped to go right to the top, this looks like only the start.
PLAYING STYLE
Despite being only 18, Dibling is built like a far more senior player – making him a nightmare for defenders to wrestle off the ball.
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With his socks tucked almost around his ankles – inspired by former academy teammate Jimmy Jay Morgan – and a swashbuckling style on the ball, it is hard to avoid comparisons to Jack Grealish.
At his best, Dibling looks like a throwback to Grealish at Aston Villa, bursting with confidence and given licence to roam and make things happen.
While he looks unfazed on the ball, the youngster is more of an introverted character away from the pitch – but Russell Martin’s style is getting the best from him.
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His apparent ability to impact games with creativity on the ball has fans also comparing him to fellow academy graduate Adam Lallana, who has returned ten years after his departure this season and is helping out the youngsters at St Mary’s.
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Dibling said recently: “Lallana has been most helpful. He’s done it at the top level already and is always asking me questions and giving us advice.”
RISE TO THE TOP
Dibling really caught the eye outside of keen academy watchers with an incredible identical hat-trick at Newcastle two years ago.
In a Premier League 2 game at St James’ Park, his first start for the Saints Under-21s, the midfielder drove forwards to the edge of the box and picked out the bottom right corner – three times.
That moment drew interest from the Magpies as well as Chelsea.
Growing up idolising Eden Hazard, Dibling left the Saints for the Blues but returned just two months later, having struggled to settle due to homesickness while he was not getting enough minutes.
Following his return, Dibling has had to wait for his chance but has now been brought into the first-team fold by Martin and has looked Southampton’s sharpest attacking talent this season.
HIGH PRAISE
Former Southampton first-team and academy coach David Horseman was in charge when Dibling scored his incredible identical hat-trick.
He told SunSport: “To watch it, we knew he had the potential but to execute it at St James’ Park against young men, it was jaw-dropping. To do it three times is mind-blowing.
“That was the bit which ticked a lot of boxes for clubs outside.
“Tyler could be a top Premier League player, under the current manager and his style he could be a star of the future for sure.
“He could go all the way, he looks like he’s loving life and he’s found his perfect fit. He looks like he could be the next big thing out of Southampton.”
Team-mate Yuki Sugawara added: “I cannot believe he is still 18-years-old. He is a top, top, top player already and showed some really good stuff in the game and created big chances and he got a penalty.
“He also defended well and is a top talent. He will be one of the best players in the Premier League.
“I really enjoyed the game with him. I felt comfortable playing on the right with him. We had good communications.
“He was just incredible when I saw his first session. I asked how old he was and he said 18. I said ‘that is crazy’.
“For sure he will be one of the best players in the Premier League or the world.
“His mentality is top level. He is still young but I think he will be a top, top player.”
WHAT’S NEXT?
Next year could bring anything for the England Under-19 international. Saints fans will pray he is not another one who breaks out of the academy only to move on – but clubs will be watching carefully.
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For the here and now, the big challenge is how much exposure Martin is prepared to give Dibling.
After a first Prem start everyone will want to see him in the XI every week, though the manager is cautious as to just what his young body can handle.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
