Southampton manager Russell Martin has commended winger Kamaldeen Sulemana for his dedication and hard work in training, which earned him a starting spot in Friday’s 1-1 draw against Middlesbrough.
Sulemana, who replaced David Brooks in the lineup, showcased glimpses of his potential during his 63-minute appearance, contributing to Adam Armstrong’s goal with a crucial cross from the left-hand side.
While Sulemana displayed both strengths and areas for improvement, Martin praised the Ghanaian speedster’s performance, emphasising his noteworthy contributions and positive attitude.
“He trained really well. He deserved to play. He did some really good stuff and did some stuff that he needs to improve on but he hasn’t played for a long time,” Martin commented.
“I’m pleased he was out there and did the things that he did. There are some really brilliant bits in there.”
Martin expressed hope that Sulemana’s performance against Middlesbrough would serve as a confidence boost for the young player as Southampton navigates through a challenging final month of the season.
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“The way he’s trained over the last month or two has been outstanding. So hopefully today will be good for him moving forward,” Martin added.
With nine games remaining in the season, including potential play-off matches, Southampton are determined to secure promotion back to the Premier League. The upcoming clash against promotion rivals Ipswich Town presents a crucial opportunity for Southampton to narrow the gap at the top of the Championship table.
Following their relegation from the Premier League last season, Southampton are eager to reclaim their top-flight status, currently sitting fourth in the Championship standings with 74 points after 38 games.