SAINTS B starlet Kamari Doyle has been highlighted as the club’s brightest future star in the Guardian’s 2021 ‘Next Generation’ list, recognising the Premier League's best young talents.

The 16-year-old first-year scholar caught the attention of higher ups at Saints and supporters alike when he netted five goals in a single game, playing with and against under-18s three years his senior, against Birmingham City last month when he was just 15.

Playing in the same position as James Ward-Prowse, he even struck a superb free-kick that was likened to that of a set-piece the Saints skipper and legend would dispatch.

Since then, he has been playing against men as a regular starter for Saints B, making several appearances before his 16th birthday in September.

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He made a debut against a full senior side last night, when he travelled to and started against a strong League One Charlton Athletic side in the EFL Trophy.

He played in a more advanced attacking role at The Valley, demonstrating the ability and know-how to operate in a few positions to David Horseman's benefit.

Describing the little midfielder, the Guardian’s chief football correspondent David Hytner said: “"Southampton fans loved watching a clip from this August of Doyle executing a perfect top corner free-kick against Birmingham’s under-18s, particularly as it was spliced with footage of him practicing the skill with James Ward-Prowse a few years earlier.

"Doyle scored five goals against Birmingham that day and he has since been promoted to the Saints B team – one step from the senior setup.

"Considered mainly as a central midfielder, although he can play higher up, Doyle is more than a burgeoning dead-ball specialist. He is an impressive carrier of the ball, blessed with vision and good technique."

As Hytner highlights, he is only one step from the Saints first team but at just 16-years-old would have to continue on an incredible trajectory to land a first team expedition – although it is thought Ralph Hasenhutll is watching him closely.

Saints’ summer signing Thierry Small was given his first team debut in the FA Cup aged 16 in January this year, while playing for Everton under Carlo Ancelotti.

Doyle was picked up by Saints through the Bath centre of excellence, and was one of ten players to be given a first-year scholarship after impressing at under-16 level.