SAINTS midfielder Romeo Lavia has listed Belgium teammates Kevin De Bruyne and Axel Witsel as two of his personal examples as he prepares to make his international debut.

Still just 19-years-old, Lavia’s impressive breakthrough campaign with Saints was rewarded with a maiden call-up to the Belgian national team for their upcoming games against Sweden and Germany.

Lavia had yet to play a minute of Premier League football prior to his summer move from Manchester City to St Mary’s but he’s quickly established himself as one of his team’s most important players this term.

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And speaking to Belgian media this week, the talented youngster spoke of the players who have inspired him and aided his development, picking out Man City legend De Bruyne and current Atletico Madrid star Axel Witsel.

"I know Kevin De Bruyne well, who was my teammate at Manchester City," he said. "We have a good relationship and very often he has good advice on and off the pitch

"I look the most like Witsel: solid defensively, with ball quality,” Lavia added. “Axel is really an example for me. I don't really have any idols. 

“I don't feel any pressure either, even if we talk a lot about me. There is a good atmosphere in the group, the players quickly put newcomers at ease. 

“Off the field, I get along very well with Amadou Onana. It's a pleasure to be on the field with him."

Witsel and De Bruyne have combined for 227 international caps and while Lavia has a long way to go to reach either of them, he’s certainly started his career on the right path.

”I am a very ambitious person so everything is possible and imaginable,” he added.