Five Southampton academy stars who can match Josh Sims
Monday 28 November 2016 12:21, UK
Josh Sims was the star of the show for Southampton, providing the assist for Charlie Austin’s winner against Everton just 41 seconds into his debut.
The 19-year-old winger is just the latest academy graduate to make an impact in the Premier League.
The likes of Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw and Calum Chambers have made big-money moves, while players such as Sam McQueen and Harrison Reed remain.
But who are the next youngsters expected to make the breakthrough at St Mary's? McQueen and Reed spoke to Sky Sports to pick out five to watch…
Alfie Jones
Jones is a 19-year-old defender who won a young player of the season award last term, earning him his first professional contract in the summer and has already trained with the first team at Southampton.
McQueen says: "He's a player for me that I think has got huge potential. He's a centre-back and he's amazing on the ball. He could definitely be one to watch."
Jake Hesketh
Hesketh made his Premier League debut two seasons ago against Manchester United and the 20-year-old midfielder scored his first senior goal for the Saints in an EFL Cup tie against Crystal Palace in September.
Reed says: "We've seen him in a couple of games in the first team. On the ball, technically, he's absolutely outstanding. He's been likened to Adam Lallana."
Ryan Seager
Seager made his Premier League debut as a late substitute against Swansea in February of last year before scoring his first senior goal in a loan spell at Crewe. Sadly, the striker picked up a cruciate ligament injury in that game and is only now battling back to fitness.
McQueen says: "As a striker he's one of the best finishers I've seen. He's absolutely deadly. If he gets fit and stays fit, he'll have a massive career ahead of him."
Jake Vokins
From Wayne Bridge to Shaw, from Matt Targett to McQueen, Southampton have a history of producing good left-backs and Vokins could be the next one. The 16-year-old has already featured for the Under-21 side.
Reed says: "This club do well with left-backs. He's only young but he has shown he can play against men already. That's because he's quick-thinking, good on the ball and he also defends really well."
Jack Stephens
At 22, Stephens is the oldest among this group and still waiting for his Southampton league debut. But having picked up plenty of experience in loan spells at Swindon and Coventry, he remains a highly-rated young defender.
McQueen says: "I think he's a very, very good player. He's got huge potential that hasn't been fully utilised yet. He's a good leader and he could be an amazing centre-back in the future."
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