Southampton: Harwood-Bellis aiming to learn quickly in Premier League

Harwood-Bellis insisted he is trying to improve with every game following Southampton's difficult start to the season.

The England under-21s captain started the first three games before dropping to the bench against Manchester United.

He returned to the starting lineup following Jack Stephens' red card against the Red Devils and has since scored twice - against Everton and AFC Bournemouth.

The Manchester City academy graduate has been itching to play in the Premier League since helping Burnley earn promotion in 2022/23. 

The 22 year old finally got his Premier League move this summer after the obligation to buy clause was triggered in his Premier League contract.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis scored his first Premier League goal against Cherries (Image: Adam Davy/PA) Asked about the step up to the top flight, he said: "It's good. It's enjoyable. It's tough, obviously, it's a different experience to the Championship but I'm learning. 

"I'm trying to learn quickly and I'm enjoying it. Yeah, there's a reason why they're (opposition players) playing in the Premier League. They're all top players. 

"You get punished for mistakes. But no, it's enjoyable and I'm learning and I'm working hard to get better.

"With every game, I'm just trying to do better than I was yesterday and be better tomorrow. It's the same with everyone though.

"Obviously, you've had a tough run of results and you're just trying to work on yourself, making yourself a better player and hopefully helping the team.

"There's always room for improvement. We've just got to keep believing in what the manager wants us to do and the characters in the group.

Taylor Harwood-Bellis captained Saints against Everton in the Carabao Cup (Image: Peter Byrne/PA) "We've got some good characters in there. We'll keep our feet on the ground, keep our heads screwed on and keep working hard.

"That's all you can do. (The atmosphere in the group) is the same as always. There are no roller coasters.

"Whether we lose on the bounce or win on the bounce, we're not going to get too low or too high.

"It's maintaining the same mentality of getting better. All you can do is get better and be better in the next game, be better in the next training session.

"That's the mentality that the manager gives us and I think it's embedded now. So, that's not going to change."