The Saints U23s manager spoke out after his side, bolstered with some U18s, went top of Premier League 2 after the 2-0 win over the Potters.
Southampton Under-23s manager Radhi Jaidi has suggested that the future is bright for the Premier League club’s academy players, which is sure to give first-team head coach Ralph Hasenhuttl with plenty of food for thought in terms of team selection.
The Saints ran out 2-0 winners over their Stoke City counterparts in Friday’s Premier League 2 home clash, improving on a cagey first half to seal all three points with goals from wingers Nathan Tella and Will Ferry.
The result saw Southampton U23s go to the top of the table, for the time being at least, two points clear of Manchester United, who have a game in hand on the south coast side.
Jaidi wasn’t just pleased with the performance and result, but also with how he was able to give several Under-18s their opportunity to impress at the next level, with a handful of regular Under-23s currently within the first-team setup.
“There are a lot of players with the first team at the moment, and that’s the most pleasing,” the Tunisian told the official Southampton website. “Tonight we played with a young side, and some players from the U18s got their opportunity so we’re continuing to see a lot of development.”
With the likes of Kayne Ramsey and Yan Valery having already got Premier League first-team action this term, plus some exciting youngsters like Will Smallbone and Jake Hesketh awaiting in the wings, Jaidi’s positive update on the club’s academy progress will be music to Hasenhuttl’s ears.
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