Russell Martin’s Southampton might be finding it hard to adjust to life in the Premier League, currently languishing at the bottom of the table with 5 points from 13 Premier League games. It’s hard to find a bright spot for such an abysmal campaign but Southampton can be proud of the progress of 18 year old starlet, Tyler Dibling.
Tyler Dibling & bit of a background
Tyler Dibling is a talented English professional footballer, Born on February 17, 2006, in Exeter, England. Dibling joined Southampton’s academy at a young age and has been making his mark in English football. Although he had a brief stint with Chelsea, he returned to Southampton and has been an integral part of the first team this season.
With his exciting performances, Dibling has caught the attention of top Premier League clubs, including Tottenham and Manchester United. The 18 year old English winger has been a revelation this season, with dazzling performances at the right of midfield, and he has established himself as one of the most promising talents in the Premier League this season.
Technical Ability: Dibling’s strengths on the ball
His incredible technical talent and quality on the ball was on display in Southampton’s 1-1 draw away to Brighton. Dibling completed the most dribbles in the match (4), creating 2 big chances with 6 passes into the final third. His quality in possession can also be seen with his 83.5% pass accuracy in the Premier League this season while his close control and dribbling has been a key quality for Southampton, helping Russell Martin’s side progress the ball as he has become hard to stop with 3.48 fouls won per 90.
Physical Attributes: Dibling’s athleticism and duels
At 18 years of age, Dibling’s level of physicality and athleticism in the Premier League this season has been impressive. He has won 48.9% of his attempted duels this season, with 4.9 ground duels won per 90. In the 3-2 defeat to Liverpool, Dibling was instrumental in Southampton’s first goal, as he skillfully got the better of Liverpool’s Andy Robertson.
Room for Growth
Against Manchester City, Dibling won all three of his attempted ground duels which is an impressive feat given the level of City’s physicality. Still only 18 years and with much room for improvement, the Southampton winger would have to improve on his attacking output if he’s to secure his move to a top team. 1 goal from 1.04 xG and yet to register an assist this season, Dibling would need to improve on his movements in the final third as he has record of 1.44 shots and 0.60 shot on target per game this season is unimpressive.
Future at Southampton
Yet, it’s important to understand Dibling’s low attacking output within a team context as Southampton’s 10 goals in 13 Premier League games this season suggests that this might be a tactical team problem rather than singling out an individual performance.
With Dibling’s performances so far, There’s little doubt the 18 year would register more attacking output, adding more goals and assists playing for a more ambitious team. Irrespective of how Southampton’s season turns out to be, it’s becoming certain that this might be his last season at Southampton.
