Southampton's Player of the Season contender opens up on his summer transfer | OneFootball

Consistent midfielder Mateus Fernandes spoke about his preference to join the Saints.

Let's rewind around half a year ago. The international tournaments have concluded and the full focus turns towards the summer transfer window.

Every Southampton fan is impressed with the marquee additions of Ben Brereton Diaz and Cameron Archer. Further, promotion heroes Flynn Downes and Taylor Harwood-Bellis have been retained bringing smiles all around St. Mary's.

Still, the Saints decided to splash big on a rather unproven 20-year-old midfielder. Almost every Southampton faithful would have been left dissatisfied then but the present reality is far different now.

Southampton's Player of the Season contender opens up on his summer transfer

That player is Mateus Fernandes, who arrived with nearly negligible expectations from him. Yet, it's wise to admit that the teenager is a deserved candidate for Southampton's Player of the Season award instead of the aforementioned names.

All of those high-profile arrivals had regressed at some phase with one of them having left the club already. Thus, Fernandes should be applauded for regularly playing every match with the same intensity and determination throughout the full ninety minutes.

Taking into account that Fernandes had never played English football before, this achievement becomes even more mindblowing. Now, the young Portuguese has shed light on how he managed to fast-track his development at the South Coast outfit.

Speaking to the Daily Echo, Fernandes said: "Everything is different here. The language, the food and the weather, but I needed to come here to grow up as a human and a footballer."

These motivated words indicate signs of Fernandes' impressive mentality. On top of that, the energetic playmaker is also known for his leadership and maturity beyond his age.

Having such an elite player is a dream for any manager. But the worry for Ivan Juric is that he has a shortage of them in this regard.

Let's hope more Southampton players seek Fernandes as a good example to give their best efforts in the dwindling relegation battle.