MANAGER Ralph Hasenhuttl described as “so driven” young full-back Juan Larios and insisted it would be “a surprise how good he is”,

The 18-year-old left-back was one of four transfer deadline day arrivals at St Mary’s on Thursday, along with Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Samuel Edozie and Duje Caleta-Car.

Tomares-born Larios was on the books of Sevilla before moving to Barcelona in 2016, away from his family at the age of just 12.

He arrived in England to join City four years later, before signing for Saints as the next chapter of his career.

Speaking about his football journey in an interview with the club website, Larios said: “I have experienced some things maybe a boy doesn’t experience. Now I am more macho.”

Asked about the youngster’s journey to this point, Hasenhuttl told the Daily Echo: “I think this story can maybe explain a little bit this character he is just now. Impressive, impressive character for me.

“Immediately. First conversation we had, you can feel immediately that this guy is so driven and very far in his development from his personality. Very good character.

“He remembers (reminds) me a little bit… No. I don’t want to speak about that now. I will tell you when we see him the first time playing – then we can speak about it. (It) will be a surprise how good he is.”

Asked whether he saw a level of maturity in Larios, not usually seen in 18-year-old footballers, the Austrian boss replied: “When we bring players in, they need to have a quality that can help us. Maybe not immediately but in the future.

“I think footballing, from his intelligence, he’s a very smart player. It’s a very good combination for what we want to do with him.”

Larios could be involved as Saints make the trip to face Wolves tomorrow (3pm).

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