Gareth Bale. Theo Walcott. Luke Shaw. Just a few players to have come through Southampton. The conveyor belt at Staplewood continues with the rise of 18-year-old Tyler Dibling this season.
Dibling is rapidly establishing himself as a young promising winger in the premier league, capturing the eyes of fans and pundits alike. The 18-year-old first went viral on social media two years ago after netting a hat-trick of identical goals for Southampton’s Premier League 2 side. In 2024, he is stepping further into the limelight as he becomes the latest academy product to break into the first team.
The England U19 forward has appeared in every matchday for the Saints so far this season but it was in their fourth league game of the season against Manchester United that heads started to turn. The youngster in his first senior start beat Portugal International Diogo Dalot before being fouled in the box to earn his side a spot-kick.
The following game Dibling hit another milestone as he netted his first senior goal. After being played through by former academy product Adam Lallana – Dibling was only four months old when Lallana made his debut in 2006 – the youngster took a touch away from the defender before slotting into the net.
Dibling is enjoying a fruitful breakthrough season with Southampton, which can only be helped by the return of Lallana.
Adam Lallana had been at the club for 14 years before departing to Liverpool in 2014. After signing a contract in the summer, he recalled: “It’s completely different to when I left 10 years ago. I’ve been familiar with Staplewood as my son is in the academy so I’m in quite a bit.”
“Whilst it’s like a fairytale, there’s still a job to do and I feel like I’ve got a lot to give still.” The 36-year-old aims to support his peers both on and off the pitch and expresses the gap between the top two tiers. “I want to help them adapt quickly to this level as a premier league player; the jump from the championship is a big one even though it was only two seasons ago for some, time changes.”
It's evident he has taken on the role of mentor to youngsters like Tyler Dibling. Whilst his playing career comes to an end, experienced players have a duty to look after their younger peers, and it's clear Lallana is thriving in the role.
Whilst the club doesn’t boast in silverware, it can most certainly boast about its ability to graduate homegrown players. Because of this ability to develop academy players, it is why I and many other UK fans have a soft spot for the club.
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