KEVIN Danso believes Saints remain the “perfect match” for him despite a mixed start at St Mary’s.

The central defender arrived in dramatic circumstances on the final day of the transfer window, with the move not being ratified until the morning after.

Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl was desperate to get the deal over the line, so he could bolster his squad ahead of the season.

Speaking to the Austrian media, Danso said: “I did not have to think about it [moving to Saints]. My brother was studying in Southampton. I already knew the city. 

“Also, Southampton have produced many great players: Virgil van Dijk, Theo Walcott, Gareth Bale, Sadio Mane. 

“And then there is Ralph Hasenhuttl as coach, who also likes young players. It was a perfect match.”

Danso, 21, made his debut in the away win at Brighton out of position at left-back and looked shaky to begin with, only to grow into the role as the match went on.

His next appearance came during the Carabao Cup victory against Fulham before he was sent off for two bookable offences when Manchester United visited St Mary’s.

He didn’t return to action until the disappointing defeat to Bournemouth which saw him struggle out of position.

For the first half, Danso was used as a right-back, with Hasenhuttl opting to play Cedric on the left.

A shambolic 45 minutes from Saints’ defence meant that the loanee became the fall guy and was taken off during the break.

It would have been a bitter pill to swallow for Danso given that he was signed as a central defender but is yet to play in that position in the Premier League.

The 21-year-old, who started his career at MK Dons before moving to FC Augsburg, has been away with the Austria Under-21s for the international break.

Although things didn’t go much better for him there.

Danso started in the heart of the defence as Aidy Boothroyd’s England Under-21s put five goals past their Austrian counterparts on Tuesday evening.

This saw the Young Lions knock Danso’s side off top spot in their qualifying group for the U21 Euro 2021 tournament.