Sam Amo-Ameyaw opens up on second season at Southampton

The 17 year old winger went from being in Russell Martin's impact substitutes and even starting XI to settling for training experience.

He came on with success against Norwich City and Plymouth Argyle before starting the home Championship fixture against QPR.

That afternoon was a struggle for Amo-Ameyaw, whose only further first-team appearances came in the early rounds of the FA Cup.

However, his influence grew on the pitch for the under-21s and he was one of the most lethal players in Premier League 2.

"It has been really good so far," Amo-Ameyaw told the Daily Echo, asked about his first two seasons at Saints.

Saints manager Russell Martin and youngster Sam Amo-Ameyaw (Image: Southampton FC)

"I'm enjoying it. Obviously, where you want to be is in the first team, but really and truly, I'm happy with what has happened.

"I need to play as much football as possible, because I'm still young, so playing with the 21s for the last few games I was really enjoying.

"We've been winning and playing really well - so yeah, I'm happy."

Amo-Ameyaw's decision to swap Spurs for Saints before he had signed his first professional contract was predicated on a first-team pathway.

Academy teammate Tyler Dibling has been the teen to regularly travel with Martin's side towards the end of the season.

Southampton's successful quest for promotion back to the Premier League meant there was no time for additional passengers.

Amo-Ameyaw was still regularly involved in training with the seniors and should join them for pre-season once again. 

"If we're playing with the 21s the day before, we train with the 21s to get us ready for the game," Amo-Ameyaw explained.

Sam Amo-Ameyaw has regularly travelled with the first team (Image: Southampton FC)

"I just wanted to play as much football as possible and work my way up if I could. I feel like this season I've done that at times.

"Playing in the first team, getting a lot of minutes with the 21s. So, yeah, I can't complain, to be honest.

"It's pretty clear that the integration is still there. I still feel part of it. Obviously, with how they have been doing it has been tougher."

Amo-Ameyaw could head out on loan next season but the Daily Echo understands he will be assessed in pre-season before a decision is made.

Saints have processes in place to accommodate the arrival of academy youngsters into senior training at Staplewood.

First-team assistant Carl Martin, formerly under-18s coach at Saints, acts as the coaching link between the two sides.

Sam Amo-Ameyaw and Tyler Dibling at Carrow Road on New Year's Day (Image: Southampton FC)

Former defender Olly Lancashire operates in a new role - head of player strategy - to manage a youngster's progress through the system. 

Amo-Ameyaw insists he has developed as a player as a result of training regularly with top-level coaches and teammates.

He said: "When we do train with the first team, Russ and the staff pull up all the young ones.

"They pull us a lot after training to work on individual things that we can get better at, especially Nico (Lawrence) as well.

"Those little details after training are helping us. One-on-one defending for Nico and Jayden (Meghoma) and beating our men and crosses for me and Tyler.

Amo-Ameyaw added: "I'd probably say ball speed and detail on the passes has improved. That is not just even me, Tyler or Jayden. 

Sam Amo-Ameyaw is an England youth international (Image: Southampton FC)

"The whole team have really picked up on that, watching the first team and analysing their games. We've just got to keep doing that." 

He continued: "The work the staff do is top, I feel like they really get us ready for the games. 

"The first thing after we play the game, the analysts do a really good job of watching that and picking out key details for us to use in our game.

"I feel like it's worked, especially with how we press as well. It's very similar to the first team and it's got us where we are now." 

Amo-Ameyaw is beginning to receive individual acclaim for his performances, including a Premier League 2 player of the month nomination in March.

The forward was named the Pinatar Cup's MVP for England under-18s that same month, as the Young Lions secured gold.

Amo-Ameyaw netted in a 2-1 win over Czechia to open the tournament and scored from the spot in a penalty shootout victory against Germany.

"I feel like it's going really well," Amo-Ameyaw said, reflecting on the success.

Sam Amo-Ameyaw celebrates scoring at Staplewood (Image: Southampton FC)

"Obviously, going with England was a good experience for me because when you play for your country, it's always an honour.

"The PL2 player of the month nomination is another good achievement, but I've just got to keep pushing and keep playing more."

Amo-Ameyaw will be eligible to represent England at the 2025 Under-19 European Championships in Romania if selected.

Fellow Saints Dibling and Meghoma are also current under-18 internationals who can target the tournament.

Amo-Ameyaw said: "Going away, it's a great chance to compare yourself to the best in the country.

"Most of the time it's always me, Tyler and Jadon from Southampton and obviously, we play together here.

"So especially Tyler, when I play with him, we share a kind of common knowledge because I know what he's going to do. It's good to have that link up with him."