Russell Martin's shrewd signing aiming to regain lost form against Brighton | OneFootball

Southampton right-back Yukinari Sugawara is eyeing the Brighton match as a golden opportunity to rediscover his initial form.

Last week, world-class Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale confessed that Russell Martin was instrumental in his arrival at the club. As things stand, it's easy to conclude that it was one of those rarest decisions that Martin got right in the Premier League.

Well, it wasn't this way forever and there were a handful of good recruitments brought by him. Further, they kicked off their Saints career well but over time have been limited to a diminishing squad role.

Be it injuries, a lengthy dressing room standoff or a dip in form - a good chunk of Martin's reliable disciples are hoping for a comeback in Juric's plans. In the build up to an important Brighton fixture, one of them has insisted on leaving a good impression among the Southampton faithful.

Russell Martin's shrewd signing aiming to regain lost form against Brighton

Honestly, what would be a better way than coming out on top against your opponent's star player? That is exactly what Yukinari Sugawara aims to achieve against Kaoru Mitoma on the weekend.

As quoted by the Daily Echo, Sugawara said: "Last game against him, he scored and we shared a point. I really want to win and I want to stop him because he's in top form now."

Considering the worrying state of Southampton's backline, a good cameo from Sugawara will lift the defensive morale. Days ago, the Saints were left helpless inside their half with Bournemouth constantly dominating the final third.

On top of that, having another proven fullback could allow Juric to manage the huge workload of Welington and Kyle Walker-Peters. After all, the Croatian is already striving to fill the defensive void and a few helping hands could ease his selection dilemma.

Now, let's see whether Sugawara denies Mitoma from getting on the scoresheet again.