Callum Slattery was excellent as Southampton battered Guangzhou in their latest pre-season clash.
Southampton and Ralph Hasenhuttl are starting to look like a match made in heaven.
The Saints have one of the most prosperous academies in English football with Gareth Bale, Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Adam Lallana and Luke Shaw all honing their considerable talents on England’s south coast.
And, in Hasenhuttl, they have a manager who loves nothing more than to give bright-eyed young talents a chance to impress. If pre-season is anything to go by, Callum Slattery could have a big role to play under the former RB Leipzig boss in the next few months.
The 20-year-old signed a new contract with Southampton on Monday, admitting to the Daily Echo that he needs to grab any chance he’ll get with both hands.
And he certainly did just 24 hours later. The Saints cruised to a 4-0 win against Guangzhou in their latest pre-season clash and Slattery certainly staked his claim for a regular role in the heart of midfield, particularly with Mario Lemina expected to leave.
The 20-year-old produced a display that belied his tender years and only a cruel offside call denied him a stunning goal with a Paul Scholes-inspired volley from the edge of the box.
The Southampton fans think a new star has been born in Macau – and don’t be surprised if Hasenhuttl agrees.
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