What we want to see from Russell Martin's Southampton in pre-season

Although everybody – players, staff and supporters included – wants to be in the Premier League, the collective goal can become hazy.

This season, after years of just about keeping head above water with a relatively inconsequential top-half finish target, the ambition is clear.

Promotion by all means necessary and, if you can, to bring the Championship title with you. Martin knows this is a unique challenge for him but still believes in his process.

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Next week, we will get our first look at the team under his guidance when they face Goztepe in Turkey – the squad fly out on the morning of Thursday, July 13.

Saints will then take on League One side Reading before hosting top division outfits AFC Bournemouth and AZ Alkmaar – here is what we want to see from them…

The structure of Martin’s further evolved possession play

A lot has been made of the club’s desire to deploy a possession-based game in the Championship this season and Leeds United and Leicester City are set do the same.

Martin’s Swansea City had around 65 per cent possession on average last season and a number of their players were among the Championship’s top passers.

Martin has spoken about his style already with the Daily Echo and pointed to the fact that despite uniform principles his MK Dons and Swansea teams looked very different.

We know that the Saints players are going to be instructed to play out from the back and the ball will be mostly on the surface.

However, the former Scotland international hinted to a little bit more verticality as he referenced his Swansea attackers not having the ideal athleticism.

At Saints, we could be looking at a forward line comprised of the likes of Nathan Tella, Kamaldeen Sulemana, Che Adams, Adam Armstrong, Sekou Mara and more.

While the ball will be moved in triangles up to the final third there will be that option for quick bursts in behind with the speed of their attackers.

The players will still be in the early stages of implementing what Martin wants come the early weeks of pre-season but it could be both eye-opening and exciting.

Who is not involved in the early games?  

Martin himself labelled the transfer window a “nonsense” this week as the club face the likelihood of losing a handful of key players even after the Championship term starts.

Saints will have to stave off interest for a further four weeks beyond the opening night clash with Sheffield Wednesday – and there is going to be interest.

Mohammed Salisu was one player who did not feature throughout last season’s run-in amid reported “commitment issues” due to his contract winding down.

Martin, speaking in his first club interview, insisted that any players not willing to give 100 per cent regardless of their personal circumstances will not be part of the group.

When Saints visit Goztepe and Reading, or host AFC Bournemouth and AZ Alkmaar, it could be a clear indicator as to who he wants in his 20-man squads.

The likes of Armel Bella-Kotchap, Lyanco and Duje Caleta-Car are currently among those linked with a move away after speculation of such last season.

Martin is fortunate that the squad is already big enough he does not need passengers, he is right to let the players know his intentions early.

It will be very interesting to see who the new boss proves he feels he can trust after working with the group at Staplewood and holding individual conversations.

James Ward-Prowse’s influence and involvement

One of a number of players who could almost certainly land a Premier League return if they really wanted to, Ward-Prowse’s future is up in the air.

The early expectation was that he would likely leave upon relegation to the Championship but the club are reportedly standing firm on their £50million price tag.

The club captain remains for now and returned to Staplewood on day one as, unsurprisingly, the fittest player in the squad once again.

Before the Daily Echo met with Russell Martin for the first time, Ward-Prowse walked through the Staplewood foyer and was in a jovial mood during a brief conversation.

Ward-Prowse has been an exemplary performer for the club, leading in almost every important metric over the past three years.

Martin warned some players will even play competitive games this season before finally sealing a move but it will be great to see the skipper in a Saints shirt once again.

The closer we get to the window closing – which is not close at all yet – the more hope we can have of the 29 year old remaining for at least one more year.

Players committing to the philosophy with academy lads included

Martin and the club media accounts caught a bit of flak for another in-house quote they published from the new boss this week.

“It’ll always be character before talent, I think we’re all agreed on that,” Martin said, as he remains in constant conversation with director of football Jason Wilcox.

The obvious contrasting assertions in response are that you do need ample talent if you want to compete at the top end of the Championship and in the Premier League.

However, the messaging is absolutely correct. Theo Walcott, Kyle Walker-Peters and Ward-Prowse all pointed towards a possible character deficit last campaign.

Martin will be well-served to add the right flavours of leadership and experience to what is still a young, talented squad.

The Championship is a long, long season and you need fighters. During pre-season, we want to see the players already doing exactly that and looking even fitter than before.

Academy players can help that; their exuberance and enthusiasm can bring out the best in senior professionals looking to show them the right path.

Seeing the likes of Dom Ballard, Kami Doyle and Sam Amo-Ameyaw – as well as others – getting another run-out in the four pre-season games would be a good show of intent.

As FA Cup-winning manager Lawrie McMenemy explained recently, supporters have every right to be demanding in order to see their trust restored.

Misfiring forwards looking confident

It is not always a perfect indication of what is to come, as Adam Armstrong exampled when he scored the club’s first of pre-season versus RB Leipzig last year.

The former Blackburn Rovers man had another torrid season at St Mary’s following a £15million 2021 move that saw him take the number nine shirt.

Armstrong scored just twice in the league and Che Adams, his close friend and lift sharer, was also out of luck in front of goal with costly consequences.

The inseparable pair, however, have 50 Championship goals between them in their last seasons in the second division before moving to Saints.

They could be crucial notches for Saints if they can recapture that same form and pay back their wages in one go now the club have dropped down a level.

Sekou Mara, meanwhile, only scored versus Manchester City last campaign and they will not be facing Pep Guardiola’s side unless it is another unfavourable cup draw.

The Frenchman, who only just turns 21 years old later this month, netted four in his sole game at Premier League 2 level to show he is ready to be a full, senior striker.

While there are many whose futures remain up in the air, such as January acquisition Paul Onuachu, Mara could be one who benefits from the drop in standard.

Whoever is up top for Saints, we’ll want to see them firing on all cylinders and giving themselves the most confidence possible ahead of the trip to Hillsborough.