SAINTS starlet Tyler Dibling insisted this season is a “clean slate” as he looks to take advantage of a change in style that suits him.

The 17 year old, who signed his first professional contract to 2025 earlier this year, has scored five goals in seven under-21 appearances this term.

Dibling also made his senior Saints debut as a late substitute in the EFL Cup defeat to Gillingham, under new boss Russell Martin.

The attacking midfielder is re-establishing himself as a Premier League 2 star for the first time since a hattrick of near-identical goals at Newcastle United in 18 months ago.

A switch from the press-oriented 4-2-2-2 to Martin and Jason Wilcox’s possession-focused identity allows players like Dibling a better chance to flourish. 

Speaking exclusively to the Daily Echo, Dibling explained: “With this playstyle, you’re always on the ball.

"For us technical players like me and Sam Amo-Ameyaw, it is only going to make us better and more comfortable.

“You can see it with the centre-backs this season – Will (Armitage) and Zach (Awe) – they’re a lot more comfortable and we’re going to get better.

“We want to play like Man City and they win every game, you want to be on the ball, receiving the passes – it’s a lot better than last year where it was all about the pressing.”

Dibling added: “It’s freedom, you do normally get that wherever you go but we especially get that here. Whenever I get the ball, I can just go and dribble.

Daily Echo: Tyler Dibling scored twice last time out against LyonTyler Dibling scored twice last time out against Lyon (Image: Izzy Field - Southampton FC)

“We get the ball and we’re told to go at them and go at them, and try and get through.”

A breakout end to 2021-22, which saw Ralph Hasenhuttl name the teen on a Premier League bench just months after his 16th birthday, saw Dibling in demand.

With a good understanding of the game and analytical breakdowns of his performances, the England youth international is viewed as high potential.

Dibling made a permanent move to Chelsea that summer before U-turning weeks later and returning to Saints in August 2022.

He then played only seven times in Premier League 2, featuring much more regularly for the under-18s team again as re-earned his stripes.

“The season I came back wasn’t great, it was a stupid decision really so I had to get myself back into the under-21s,” he reflected.

“I got brought back down to the 18s and now I’m back up again. I didn’t think I should be down there but when I was, I knew I needed to be the best player.

“This season, it’s a clean slate with Russell coming in and changes in the club, a refresh. I feel like this is my first season again after coming back and I want to show everyone what I can do.”

Daily Echo: The youngster signed his first professional contract earlier this yearThe youngster signed his first professional contract earlier this year (Image: Southampton FC)

In the 4-3-3, Dibling best sees himself as a playmaking midfield eight while he can also operate on the wing – he can use his left foot, he adds, but prefers to be on the right.

It is almost one year on from his England under-17 debut, under boss Ryan Garry, and Dibling has taken confidence from his Young Lions involvement.

As a result of his boarding education, he is used to being away from a young age. Just last month, playing teams such as Japan has taught him different footballing styles.

Crucially, he also impressed Martin in a recent behind-closed-doors friendly against Brentford, scoring in a 2-1 win.

“We had a lot of under-21s in the team but Russell and the whole first team still come and lead the game,” Dibling said.

“They give you advice, it’s a good experience playing with and against older players. It’s the detail you pick up on when you play with them.

“You know you’re going to get better when you’re rubbing shoulders with better players, and Russell is very intelligent so he’ll tell you what to do.”

He added: “We have seen with Sam that he has got his chance, and that shows the rest of us that we can do it regardless of our age.

“When you do go up, you just have to impress him and keep putting on the pressure. You know that, with Sam, it can be done.”

For now, the focus remains on Premier League 2 and the Premier League International Cup for Dibling.

He will be working with new head coach Adam Asghar, who himself spoke exclusively to the Daily Echo earlier this week.

Dibling concluded: “We can tell he’s a good coach and that is what we needed – although Lee (Skyrme) and Olly (Lancashire) are good, we’ve been waiting ages.

“I want to keep going and scoring as many as I can, I can’t remember (how many I’ve scored) – I’ll have to get back to you. It’s good, you always love scoring.”