TEENAGER Tyler Dibling impressed off the bench in Southampton's 1-0 pre-season win over Millwall on Saturday.
The 18 year old oozed confidence on the ball and came inches away from his second pre-season goal when his rasping effort cracked the crossbar.
His standout cameo came following Adam Armstrong's close-range goal, which ensured Southampton got back to winning ways.
Here's how we rated every Southampton player's performance at The Den...
Starters
Alex McCarthy - 6.
Looked much better with his feet compared to at Oxford United. Wasn’t called upon much. Was fine when needed.
Yuki Sugawara - 6.
Played some loose passes early on. Had Southampton’s first shot after growing into the game. Continued his good relationship with Amo-Ameyaw.
Taylor Hawrood-Bellis - 6.
Lost a duel with Tom Bradshaw which resulted in a dangerous free kick. Played out from the back with confidence.
Jan Bednarek - 6.
Withdrawn after 45 minutes having looked pretty solid. Continues to build up his minutes after an extended break after playing for Poland at EURO 2024.
Charlie Taylor - 6.
Played on the left of a back three. Gave away the ball high up the field before Millwall launched a quick counter. Subbed at half-time and replaced by the more attacking Ryan Manning.
Jack Stephens - 6.
Played in midfield alongside Flynn Downes. Looked to join in with attacks and was the most advanced at times. Willing to run in behind despite beating a centre-back by trade.
Flynn Downes - 6.
Broke up play in the way we have come to expect. Looked to drive forward with the ball to launch a counter but was forced to turn back because of a lack of support. Played a good ball to Sugawara for Southampton's first shot.
Yuki Sugawara goes close in the first half against Millwall, where it's goalless at the break:
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) August 3, 2024
Will Smallbone - 7.
Looked to have played in Sam Edozie with a cross but the winger's poor first touch let him down in the box. His cross was dropped by Lukas Jensen, allowing Armstrong to score. Played a pass behind Sam Amo-Ameyaw when the teenager was in.
Joe Aribo - 6.
Played a good through ball for Smallbone but the Irish midfielder's cut-back for Adam Armstrong was smothered. Missed a chance from a tight angle after Armstrong flicked on a corner. Booked for a strong tackle.
Sam Edozie - 5.
Lacked the composure to ensure his end product matched his promising movement. Saw a one-on-one effort saved by Jensen in the first half. Continued to look a bit loose after the break.
Adam Armstrong - 7.
Tasked with leading the line as he was at Eastleigh. Scored the winning goal, taking his pre-season tally up to three. Dropped deep to receive the ball before running beyond the Millwall defenders.
Take those 🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/wTeiOce2r5
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) August 3, 2024
Substitutes
Nathan Wood - 6.
Much like McCarthy, Wood looked more comfortable playing out from the back. Committed an important professional foul when Millwall looked to be in on the counter.
Ryan Manning - 7.
Offered more of an attacking threat than Taylor did. Pushed forward when required, giving Saints more width. Played a brilliant through ball for Tyler Dibling, who saw his shot smash the crossbar.
Sam Amo-Ameyaw - 7.
Came on to replace captain Stephens as Martin changed shape. Offered an impact once again. Played a role in the build-up for Southampton's goal, playing Smallbone into a crossing position. Cut in and sent a shot over the bar. Would have had another effort had Smallbone found his good run.
Ben Brereton Diaz - 6.
Came on for his first Saints appearance to a warm welcome from the away fans when he replaced former Rovers teammate Armstrong. Showed positive signs as he continues to get up to speed with fitness.
Tyler Dibling - 8.
The standout performer when on the pitch despite his youthful age. Played with confidence and looked to take the game to Millwall. Hit the crossbar with a good effort and twisted free from defenders on several occasions. Continues to give Martin a selection headache.
Charly Alcaraz, Jay Robinson, James Bree, Shea Charles, Ronnie Edward - N/A
Martin used his final 10 minutes to introduce five players, none of whom were given sufficient time to impact the game.
Bree produced the only moment of note when he won a corner late on, but the resulting delivery came to nothing.
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