Anchoring midfielder lifts lid on his Southampton struggles under Russell Martin | OneFootball

Southampton midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu has opened upon his past struggles under ex-manager Russell Martin.

What if I ask you about the most improved players under boss Ivan Juric? An obvious reply from your side would be forward Paul Onuachu or winger Kamaldeen Sulemana.

Indeed that’s a solid answer, but don't you think we are missing one?

Yes, the underrated, unnoticed prodigy pivot, Lesley Ugochukwu.

It seems like the change of managers has moved a magic wand on him. In Southampton's recent games, Ugochukwu has been a hero figure, receiving praises from teammates and boss all around.

But his Saints journey wasn't this smooth always. In fact, at a point, Ugochukwu had started considering a Chelsea return seriously.

All this started with him rising drastically under ex-boss Russell Martin's precedence. While certainly, Ugochukwu had some difficult games, still, he didn't deserve not to be a starter in the Premier League for three months straight.

Anchoring midfielder lifts lid on his Southampton struggles under Russell Martin

Thankfully, it all has gone well for the Frenchman with boss Ivan Juric's arrival. Now, a lesson, Ugochukwu had some really challenging days during those months.

As quoted by the Daily Echo, recently he opened up about his past experience, saying: "I had some couple of moments where it wasn't easy but I learnt. Sometimes it's like this. I think I did my best and the gaffer did his decision. I take it like experience."

But, crediting Ugochukwu's Southampton redemption only to boss Juric won't feel fair. Knowingly or unknowingly, his former Rennes teammate and now Saints partner Kamaldeen Sulemana had a big role in this.

Honestly, at the moment, it’s pure joy for Saints fans to watch this duo shine under Juric. But if this feels satisfying, what might Juric do as he combines them with new signing Albert Gronbaek?

Already, Southampton feels improving, and with Gronbaek, the ex-Rennes trio could prove crucial for escaping the Saints' relegation ahead.