Stuart Armstrong of Southampton has recently disclosed the source of his newfound satisfaction, frequently mentioned as of late. Like many of his fellow Saints players, Armstrong did not experience much enjoyment in past seasons.
Martin backs young Southampton striker to be ‘great in long term’.
The 21 year old Frenchman is still searching for his first goal of the season under the new boss.
Youth international Mara, who scored in two games against treble-winners Manchester City last campaign, has only started once this term.
That was as a right winger in the 5-0 defeat at Sunderland in September, while he has played various different roles during substitute cameos.
Mara operated as a central midfielder during last week’s 2-2 draw with Preston North End but did not make it off the bench as Saints beat Birmingham City last time out.
“He’s a really young man and a great guy, I really like Sekou,” Martin said, speaking to the Daily Echo.
“How he gets himself into the team is by being the best version of himself he can be every day, and by being all-in with his football.
“He has trained really well recently and will be really disappointed with how he performed last Wednesday because he was not the Sekou we see in training.
“However, it was not an easy game to come on in and when you have an opportunity, sometimes you’re so desperate to do well.
“I think it comes from that rather than a lack of effort. His opportunities are limited so he wants to do well and when it becomes like that, it’s difficult.”
Martin continued: “He is a young player who hasn’t had a lot of experience on the pitch yet but he is going to be great for us in the long term.
“He had a really good impact against Hull but didn’t have the impact he would have wanted last week.
“We have been through his clips and he understands why. He’s also competing against some good players but he is flexible tactically and physically.
“He will get another opportunity to get on the pitch and show what he can do because he has really great potential.
“The more he understands what we want from him, whatever position he plays, and the more he understands the demands on him, the better he will get.”
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