TEENAGE Tino Livramento showed everyone why he appeared to have usurped Kyle Walker-Peters and made two Premier League starts already – but Ralph Hasenhuttl warns not to overhype the lad, saying: “Don’t hang him too high, he has lots to learn.”

The 18-year-old summer-signing from Chelsea’s academy was one of the more impressive lights in an otherwise dim opening weekend for Saints, but took it to another gear during the 1-1 draw with Manchester United.

On a couple of occasions he showed wicked footwork to dazzle opponents like Fred and continue driving at the Red Devils’ area – almost setting up Adam Armstrong from close-range with a fizzing low cross.

Above all, he shows unheralded bravery in the face of seasoned professionals, international winners and packed Premier League stands.

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Saints have struck gold, and Hasenhuttl admitted after the match: “At first I must say I am happy for him and for us, for us as a club we get one of the best talented youngsters in England.

“We know he has a lot of potential, he has made now two games, don’t hang him too high.

“I know how quick people are starting to lift him but he has a lot of things to learn.

“But he has everything, he has the body, the speed, the quality on the ball. This is a good combination and it’s on us to work with him.”

His potential was obvious and not only recognised here on the south-coast, after winning the Blues’ academy player of the year award for the 2020-21 season – an award won previously by the likes of Reece James and Mason Mount.

Daily Echo: Tino Livramento, 18, was Sky Sports' man of the match against Manchester United (Pic: Stuart Martin)Tino Livramento, 18, was Sky Sports' man of the match against Manchester United (Pic: Stuart Martin)

The deal to bring the youngster to Staplewood reportedly included an expensive buy-back clause for Chelsea, in order to regain their former asset at a cost if he does develop into somebody they see as a star.

According to stats released by the club, man-of-the-match Livramento completed six interceptions and won six duels against United, adding three successful dribbles and with a pass completion rate of 86%.

When Hasenhuttl changed his Saints formation at half-time, opting for a five-at-the-back, this thrusted Livramento further forward into a wing-back role.

This is considered his strongest position on paper, but also illustrates how his acquisition now offers Saints a different way of playing and more versatility in shape, a chance to surprise opponents.

The Austrian boss said: “We have to be more flexible in our shape and this is what we tried to work on the last few weeks.

“To be in such moments like today a little bit harder to read, not so easy to play against.

“We have now a bigger squad, last year we didn’t have it, we didn’t have the option to change to a back-five. Now we have it, we have to use it.”