FORMER Saints man Theo Walcott labelled Kamaldeen Sulemana as the fastest player he has played with but insisted the Ghanaian needs to “use his pace”.

The 21 year old became Southampton’s club-record signing when he joined from Stade Rennes on deadline day in January.

Kamaldeen was linked with a move away following relegation from the Premier League but remains a Saints player with the English summer deadline having passed.

He is yet to play for manager Russell Martin after picking up an injury at the start of pre-season but is nearing a return to fitness.

Walcott, who retired from his playing career this summer following the end of his Saints contract, spoke unprompted about Kamaldeen on The Overlap.

Asked who the fastest players he has played with are, Walcott responded: “Recently, at Southampton, Sulemana.

Daily Echo: Theo Walcott called it a day (Mike Egerton/PA)

“He’s so quick. I’ve never seen anything like it. He’s really quick. But he always likes to beat the player, come back, and then try and beat the player again.”

Walcott added: “I just feel like you’ve beaten him once, you’re done now, you need to use your pace.”

Kamaldeen cost up to £25million but had to wait until the final day of the season before scoring his first goal, bagging a brace in a 4-4 draw with Liverpool.

The international could be included in the squad for the visit of Leicester City, on Friday, September 15, following the two-week break.