Southampton have had a long tradition of producing stars from their Staplewood academy, namely Matt Le Tissier and Alan Shearer.
Jack Stephens and Will Smallbone are the latest success stories from the prestigious academy set up and there are a number of talented teenagers emerging right now hoping to break into Russell Martin‘s first team.
As well as recruiting from the surrounding areas on the south coast, Saints have invested in a scouting network far and beyond.
Joe O’Brien-Whitmarsh is a product of the overseas network having joined from Irish club Cork City in January.
He was chased by a number of clubs, including Aston Villa, Leeds United and Everton, prior to penning a deal with Southampton.
Since arriving, the 18-year-old midfielder has made five appearance for the under-21s in the Premier League 2 and is suprising staff with one thing.
Joe O’Brien-Whitmarsh suprising Southampton coaches
O’Brien-Whitmarsh has netted twice in his last two games and is making a real impression at Staplewood.
Though, according to Daily Echo journalist Alfie House, it’s his pace that is suprising a lot of the coaching staff.
“It was O’Brien-Whitmarsh’s lightning-quick pace that surprised some observers following his first few appearances,” House wrote.
O’Brien-Whitmarsh admitted that those comments came as a suprise to him, too: “My older brother mocks me about it as he’s a bit quicker but I will take that as a compliment.
“I probably run with the ball quicker than I do without! That’s good to hear, though.”
Joe O’Brien-Whitmarsh ready for Southampton debut
Whilst the young midfielder is only 18, he has already had a taste of first team football.
O’Brien-Whitmarsh, who has been capped at youth level by Ireland, made 27 senior appearances for Cork City before arriving on the south coast.
During that time, he evninced his capability to sniff out chances and score from midfield, netting four times.
Should he continue to impress in Southampton’s reserve side, a senior debut may not be too far away as Martin has shown a willingness to promote players from the academy.
Samuel Amo-Ameyaw and Tyler Dibling have both been given opprunitues off the bench this term and it seems another Staplewood prospect may be edging closer to the first team.
Saints have a bright future ahead of them, with several promising youngters making a real name for themselves.
It’s just a case of allowing them to flourish at the right time and not rushing their development.