LEFT-BACK Romain Perraud cited Brazilian full-back Marcelo and former Saints ace Luke Shaw among the role models he looks to in his position.

Perraud, 24, moved to England in July having previously spent his entire playing career in France.

And he has made an encouraging start to life at Saints, featuring seven times in league and cup so far for his new club.

Since defeat at Everton on his debut, Perraud is unbeaten in his six further appearances, as he shares left-back duties with Kyle Walker-Peters.

And the Toulouse-born star, who joined Saints from Ligue 1 outfit Brest on a four-year deal, explained the players he looks up to to try and improve at left-back.

Perraud told the Daily Echo: "I like the way to play of Marcelo. I think, for me, he is the best full-back during the last 10 years.

"Now in the Premier League there are very, very good full-backs like Luke Shaw, like Andrew Robertson.

"They play in great teams, so for me it’s very important to look at these players, to watch their game and after it’s important to improve and progress when I watch these players."

Since joining Real Madrid in 2007, Marcelo has played more than 400 games for Los Blancos, winning a host of trophies including four Champions League titles.

Perraud came up against Shaw when Saints drew 1-1 with Manchester United in August, and he could face Robertson and Liverpool at Anfield later this month.