Who is David Brooks and what does he offer Southampton?

Brooks has been a known target for the St Mary's side throughout the month but became available this week. 

Saints manager Russell Martin wanted to add to his frontline and the versatility of the 26 year old does just that. 

He becomes Southampton's second senior signing of the month - here is what we know about him and what he can offer... 

Who is David Brooks? 

Brooks is a 26 year old left-footed winger who can operate centrally but typically plays on the right-hand side of a front three. 

A Welsh international through his mother, Brooks was born in Warrington and joined Manchester City's academy at the age of seven.

Brooks, who was coached by Saints director of football Jason Wilcox at City, departed for Sheffield United at 16 years old. 

The youngster spent two months on loan at Halifax Town before becoming a £11.5million addition at Bournemouth in 2018.

He was named Welsh Footballer of the Year at 21 years old in 2019, despite making his Football League debut less than three years earlier. 

Bournemouth's David Brooks has officially been named Welsh footballer of the year.

It's the first time in four years that anybody other than Gareth Bale has won the award... pic.twitter.com/DozDv63HUK

— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) March 22, 2019

Brooks scored 20 goals and registered 15 assists in 114 appearances for the Cherries, helping them back to the Premier League. 

Brooks was diagnosed with Stage II Hodgkin Lymphoma in October 2021 and, after chemotherapy, made his football return 536 days later.

He lost muscle but put on 15kg of weight during six months of treatment - and couldn't celebrate without being breathless.

Brooks has earned 28 caps for Wales and made three appearances at EURO 2020. However, he has also worn the Three Lions on his chest.

Brooks was named player of the tournament - and scored in the final - when England under-20 won the Toulon Tournament in 2020.

However, it was always his intention to play for Wales - and his England appearances were labelled a timing misunderstanding.

David Brooks scored against Saints at St Mary's in pre-season (Image: PA) 

What sort of player is he? 

Brooks is a technically impressive attacker, schooled in the Man City systems before making his own way in the Football League.

With seven goals in his debut Premier League season in 2018-19, the attacking midfielder threatened to be one that got away even for City.

Operating from the right, Brooks plays inside on his stronger left foot and is reliable in the pass and a regular chance creator. 

Bournemouth Daily Echo sports reporter Jack Tanner said: "Andoni Iraola’s style of play hasn’t been quite the right fit for the Welshman.

"He prefers time on the ball to try and beat his man but is not afraid to get a shot off as quickly as possible, making him a tricky prospect for defenders.

“With consistent game time and full match fitness, Brooks will prove to be too much for most Championship defences.”

Following his comeback from illness and injury, he has only played 455 league minutes in the last 365 days. 

However, across Europe's top five leagues and UEFA competitions, Brooks ranks in the top three per cent for total shots per 90 (3.56).

Statistical scout report from David Brooks over the last year (Image: FBref)

Brooks is in the top per cent for expected goals, top six per cent for shot creating actions and top nine per cent for progressive passes. 

Playing under high-press boss Andoni Iraola, Brooks has also ranked in the top 10 per cent for interceptions and top per cent for clearances. 

Looking back at his last full season in the Championship, the same themes emerge. He ranked high for goals, assists, passes, carries and fouls drawn. 

According to Fbref, QPR's talisman Ilais Chair is the most statistically similar player to Brooks in the 2020-21 Championship season. 

The most up-to-date evidence of the skillset on Brooks comes from Bournemouth's 5-0 victory over Championship Swansea on Thursday.

The Welshman scored and registered two assists to book the Cherries a place in the FA Cup fifth round - meaning he is cup-tied for Saints. 

David Brooks shows his set-piece skills with a free-kick in a crossing position (Image: BBC)

Cherries defender Lloyd Kelly is attacking the target space (Image: BBC)

Perfect delivery for Bournemouth's opener in seven minutes (Image: BBC)

Three minutes later, David Brooks receives the ball in a wide area (Image: BBC)

He beats his man for pace, holds him off and arrives with a view into the box (Image: BBC)

David Brooks provides the perfect layoff for an Alex Scott tap-in (Image: BBC)

David Brooks initiates the attack for Bournemouth's fourth with an aggressive press (Image: BBC)

A clever run sees the attacker in behind but with work still to do (Image: BBC)

David Brooks races free and finishes across goal from just inside the area (Image: BBC)

What has Brooks said and what has been said about him? 

On signing for Saints, Brooks said: "I was very eager to get to a point where I wanted to be playing regular minutes.

"This opportunity came up and it was one that I couldn’t really turn down.”

Speaking after his side's win over Swansea, Cherries boss Iraola said: "Sometimes it is difficult to leave players out. David played really well.

"The wing position is where we have more options and they are all playing really well." 

In May last year, Wales boss Rob Page said: "I am pleased for him because he's had a long journey.

"I got a bit excited in March. I tried to get him on camp then because you want your best players around you. He falls into that category.

David Brooks will hope to keep fit ahead of EURO playoffs this year (Image: PA)

"We knew we had to manage it. You don't go through what he's gone through and not have setbacks. It's great we have him."

On his cancer diagnosis, Brooks told the Guardian: "I’m not in touch with my emotions daily but when a cancer diagnosis comes, it’s different.

"It’s difficult to stay composed in that situation but I never really let it out until I was on my own.

"I didn’t want a fuss, when I was on my own I had a bit of a cry and hoped everything was going to be all right." 

David Brooks is described as a cultured winger (Image: PA)

Why are Saints signing him? 

Saints boss Martin has pushed for an attacking reinforcement throughout the window and Brooks wanted the move for minutes. 

Brooks offers competition to both Adam Armstrong and Che Adams and it remains to be seen if Martin will deploy him on the left too. 

With potentially nine games in under a month once February begins, Saints will need a deep squad to call on and potential injury cover.

As it stands, Armstrong is on course to challenge for the Championship's top scorer award - if he gets injured, they are weakened.

With FFP meaning Saints are rendered unable to make any big permanent signings, they have scoured the loan market.

Getting in a player of Brooks' proven quality - and match fitness - on a cheap deal, is a no-brainer for the club. 

He should naturally assimilate to Martin's possession-based style and is known to be a good character by former teammate Jack Stephens. 

It will further limit the minutes of 17 year old Sam Amo-Ameyaw but Saints have a Championship title - or at least promotion - to win. 

Saints loanee David Brooks! (Image: Southampton FC)