Kamaldeen Sulemana 'loving' working with Russell Martin at Southampton

Kamaldeen was linked with a move away from St Mary's this summer, but Saints managed to retain his services after selling Nathan Tella to Bayer Leverkusen.

Speaking in an interview with the club, Kamaldeen noted how the new philosophy Martin has brought to the club has injected newfound fun into his short Saints career. 

He said: “With the new manager right now I’m loving it. It suits my style better which makes me have more fun than usual, so I’m happy.

“I think he encourages his players to take risks, to have courage, to be brave on the ball. He wants to have the majority of the ball during the whole game, create chances, score goals.

“He wants us to win games. What he wants us to do suits me. That’s what I like to do, and that’s the kind of profile I have, so I think it’s a match.”

Having missed the early stages of the season recovering from injury, Kamaldeen has cemented his place in the starting lineup under Martin.

He has been named in the starting XI for seven of Saints eight games during their ongoing unbeaten run.

“What do you say about good player? You can play any sort of football, as long as you’re on the pitch," he continued. "When I first came, Nathan Jones was here and I didn’t get to play under him that much.

“I played two games and had fun in both. Then Ruben (Selles) took over and I also had fun during Ruben’s time. They all have different styles of play, but in those styles of play I could still have fun.

“I wish the two goals I scored against Liverpool came earlier when we were still in the competition. It came at the very end, but I’m still happy I scored the two goals.

“I think I’ve always had the confidence, but regardless of how much confidence you have, if you are in such a difficult situation you become sadder.

"I think that game boosted a little bit of my confidence, but it would have helped more had it come earlier. "

Those two strikes against Liverpool remain the only goals he has scored in a Saints shirt. 

While he is still awaiting his first goal of the season, Kamaldeen has struck three assists, including two in his first start of the season against Leeds United.

"I think I should have about 10 assists by now," he admitted. "I think I will get more assists if the boys catch up and come in the box - more than goals this season if they catch up.

"The first goal should be on its way, and hopefully soon. It's taking too long right now."

Away from the training pitch, Kamaldeen is always keen to improve his game. Having previously been described by Russell Martin as "very smart" it's clear to see why he was touted for greatness at a young age.

The 21 year old was recently called up to the Ghanaian national team squad but was replaced by Leicester winger Abdul Fatawu Issahaku.

Ghana Football Association communications director Henry Asante Twum revealed that the winger felt he needed time to improve his club form before making himself available for international duties.

Kamaldeen is close friends with West Ham's Mohammed Kudus. The duo, who both came from the Right to Dream academy before switching to FC Nordsjælland in Denmark, regularly exchange notes on the English game.

"I watch almost every game," he added, "When I play football I enjoy it, but when I watch it I enjoy it too, because that's where I can learn from my fellow players."