SAINTS boss Russell Martin believes Mateus Fernandes has the potential to "play wherever he wants."

Portuguese youth international Fernandes has caught the eye at Southampton since joining from Sporting in the summer for around £16million.

His talents immediately impressed his new teammates upon his arrival at Staplewood last month with Nathan Wood telling the Daily Echo that Saints fans should be excited.

Fernandes got off the mark in the Carabao Cup against Cardiff City and has since started the last two Premier League games.

He played 89 minutes against Ipswich on Saturday before being replaced by Joe Aribo as the game ticked into additional time.

Martin praised the 20 year old's willingness to match quality and bravery on the ball with a tireless work ethic off it.

Speaking at St Mary's, he said: “He’s a top, top player. We have two players in Mateus and Tyler Dibling, and a few others, who have the potential to play wherever they want.


READ MORE: 'Best way to play' - Fernandes on adjusting to Premier League and working with Martin

“Matty signed here over a lot of other people because he understands - and to be fair, he has a good family and agent who understand he needs to play in a certain way.

“He needs to play in a team that really suits him. It’s amazing business for the club to get him. I think we have some exceptional young talent here.

“They will be helped by the likes of Adam (Lallana), Jack (Stephens) and Janny (Bednarek) - the experienced ones.

“We have to enjoy them because if they continue to do what they are doing, and we win some games of football, they will attract some interest.

“Mateus needs to get up to speed with the Premier League. Every bit of his talent, his guile, his creativity is matched with intensity, desire and fight to win.

“He has a brilliant mentality. I’m enjoying working with him and hopefully that will continue for a while.”