Gareth Bale, Adam Lallana, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Luke Shaw and Theo Walcott are part of the culmination of leaving Southampton’s illustrious academy.
And, with the new season comes a hen of hungry young talents looking to follow in their footsteps and claim in the first team.
While there are many examples of skill that make it imaginable to become established Premier League footballers, there are many who are isolated in the cup block in the ruthless global of young footballers.
Some leave an apartment like Sam Gallagher once they have passed, or perhaps even a few more steps as with Lloyd Isgrove; they still hold positions of great reputation as professional footballers at Blackburn and Swindon, respectively.
Midfielder William Smallbone, 20, is one of those close to claiming his rights alongside Ralph Hasenhuttl.
Born near Basingstoke, Smallbone has represented Ireland at the youth point and appears to have a role to play next season after 12 years at the club.
During the last campaign, the Irishman played nine times in the Premier League in 391 minutes of action in which he amassed two assists, having made his league debut as a 80th-minute replacement in the Saints’ 2–0 win over Aston Villa in February.
Smallbone played first for the South Coast look in the FA Cup third round in January, as his look sent Huddersfield 2-0 with the highly rated prospect final on his debut with a goal.
In June, Smallbone was rewarded with a new four-contract contract that tied him to Sainte-Marie until 2024, being one of the last stars of the next generation to emerge from Southampton’s youth setup, which, as Vavel reported, has already underderwent a massive change.
Upon signing the new contract, Hasenhutt spoke of his admiration for the star and admitted that he had a role to play in the future, which turns out to be this season.
The Southampton technician, speaking to Saint’s official website, said at the time: “Will is a young boy who is part of the long term of this football club. He’s made wonderful progress this season and he’s someone who has a lot of prospects for the future. continue to develop as a player. “
Fast-forward to the existing preseason and Smallbone was included in the Premier League team with the number 28 and even won the club’s Young Player of the Season award at the end of the last campaign.
It’s certainly a wonderful season for the academy graduate as he looks to make his way into a central midfield that is consistent with James Ward-Prowse and Oriol Romeu.
However, with Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg’s departure to Tottenham, there is no other genuine festival for a position in the midfield with no other replacement purchased at this time, which is obviously where the coaches’ confidence lies.
If one of the two exits failed or left because of an injury, Smallbone will have the wonderful opportunity to publicize his call and identify himself as the next most productive product on the Academy’s star conveyor belt.
In fact, it’s not a decisive season at 20, however, it’s a wonderful opportunity to step up and have more effects than last season, and perhaps if it fails, the Saints hierarchy will seek to involve the additional non-public midfielder. in January, which could snever its progress in the ruthless world of football.