Southampton's Armstrong reveals what has given him 'nice feeling'

At his best, the Scotland international - turning 32 years old next year but playing week-in, week-out again - is the creative hub of the St Mary's side.

It was not entirely a coincidence that Saints did not win a league match without Armstrong's involvement between December 2019 and August 2022. 

Former Scotland international Russell Martin, when he was named Saints manager, quickly sought to convince his old teammate that he could get himself back to his best.

Stuart Armstrong and Saints manager Russell Martin (Image: PA)

Having lost three matches in a row when he last did not start, Armstrong started five of the last six, rotated only for fitness, scoring twice, with Saints unbeaten in that time.

Sat down with the Daily Echo, he said: "It's a nice feeling. A lot of different things happened in the last couple of years, injuries and whatever, but now it's so nice to be part of the team.

"We play in a nice way and I love to play in this style. We dominate the ball and everyone has a good understanding of what is expected of them.

"There is a good atmosphere around the place, the manager has got us feeling good so I am happy to be a part of it. 

"It's been so disappointing, last season was horrific for the fans to watch how we deteriorated and it was very tough being involved in that as well. 

"I know we're in a lower league but scoring late goals, winning games, and being at the top end of tables must be such a positive feeling for them to enjoy."

Armstrong has completed almost as many passes already this season as he did in the last two campaigns (491 - 531 - 590) with more than five per cent better completion.

His actions are creating 4.28 shots per 90 minutes, more than one better than each of his last two seasons at Saints. 

Stuart Armstrong's goal against Rotherham was his second of the season (Image: PA)

Armstrong is credited with just one goal-creating action in both the 2021-22 and 2022-23 Premier League seasons - already this term, he is at four. 

"Freedom is a big part of it. You want to feel free on the pitch and I think modern football can be quite robotic," he reflected.

"Having said that, you still need discipline to play the position and to wait your turn for the ball to come to you in space. 

"Within this system, we definitely have the freedom in this position, and that gives you the license to express yourself and create opportunities for the team." 

The biggest boost for Armstrong so far has been his fitness and game time having played less than half of the available minutes since 2021.

Respective calf and groin injuries hampered his chances but the intensity of the high-press system was also not a perfect fit. 

Speaking to the Daily Echo last month, under-21s midfielder Tyler Dibling, a creative number eight not too dissimilar to Armstrong, is enjoying the reprieve in rigidity. 

🚨 Interview with Tyler Dibling, now exhibiting some of his best form at U21.

Great to speak with Tyler on:

🔴 Why he believes new style suits him.
⚪ Tough season after Chelsea return.
🔴 Confirms his preferred position.
⚪ First-team chances under Martin.

🔗👇#SaintsFC

— Alfie House (@AlfieHouseEcho) October 14, 2023

Armstrong added: "We're in the Championship and more often we dominate possession, and when we have possession we run less. 

"Certainly, if teams are playing low blocks - teams like Birmingham, for example - we probably run less because we dominate the ball and you wait in your position."

He continued: "Hull City, for example, played possession as well and there were counter-attacks so we ran more. It would be interesting to see the difference. 

"In the last few seasons, we played a counter-attack, basketball-style game where you are running a lot, but it's shorter runs rather than continuous. 

"You have to run regardless, especially if you lose the ball you have to have that reaction to run five yards quickly and save yourself 50 yards afterward."

There is still an uncertain future hanging over Armstrong, who has made 184 appearances for Saints since a 2018 move from Scottish champions Celtic. 

He has less than 12 months remaining on his deal and a 2024 departure does not seem out of the question. 

One thing I am really clear on, Stuart Armstrong has to play every game he feels fit for. Dynamic ball carrier, creates space, commits players, switches play. If ever a choice between him and Smallbone, it would be Stu. Him and KWP biggest threats with the ball #saintsfc

— Saint Alastair (@Saint_Alastair) October 25, 2023

Martin insisted no conversations have been held with Armstrong over a new deal, with the midfielder focusing instead on finding his way in the team again. 

"Yeah, I think that is second, I know the gaffer from previous years and we have a good relationship," Armstrong explained. 

"The primary objective is to help the team get back to where it belongs in the Premier League and that whatever happens after that is fine."

Armstrong has, however, played his role in the integration of someone who put pen to paper at Staplewood for the first time this summer. 

Ross Stewart, signed from Championship rivals Sunderland on deadline day, was called up to the Scotland squad for the first time in June 2022. 

He had just weeks prior scored for the Black Cats in the League One playoff final and was part of a triple substitution by Steve Clarke, which also included Armstrong. 

Stuart Armstrong is targeting a place in Scotland's squad for EURO 2024 (Image: PA)

It was his second and most recent cap but first real taste of international football having played three minutes at the end of a win against Armenia. 

Armstrong said: "He's only just come back so he's only had a couple of training sessions. Knowing him from Scotland, I know his qualities. 

"I think he adds something different that we don't have, with his height and the way he plays it's a little bit different. 

"I think he will be very important for us going forward with so many games but he has had a tough time himself with injuries.

"I remember thinking back to being in Ireland with him, and I hadn't come across him too many times, but after chatting with him I thought he was a really nice guy." 

Stewart was the second Scot added this summer after Newcastle United outcast Ryan Fraser joined on loan with a view to earning himself a permanent contract. 

"I have known him for a long time having played with him a lot in Scotland, he's a team player and understands the dynamics of the squad very well," Armstrong added. 

"He's got a lot of individual quality. You saw that with his finish at Hull. Big moments like that are amazing, I think the more times that happens it becomes part of our DNA." 

Martin has hinted that Stewart is likely to make his return from injury in the near future but Millwall on Saturday may come too soon still.

For Armstrong and his teammates, it is a chance to go seven games unbeaten in league competition and match the length of the November 2020 run. 

He concludes: "The fans can see we're trying to create football that is good to watch but, more importantly, is good for us on the pitch and allows us to win games. 

"We had a lot of change in the summer with the manager and players and there were always teething problems, but the message was we believed in what we were trying to do.

"It was very important when trying to change to a system that was so radically different from what we were doing before and now we are in good form."