Brereton Díaz relishing Armstrong reunion
Ben Brereton Díaz is excited to rekindle his strike partnership with former Blackburn teammate Adam Armstrong after the pair were reunited at Southampton.
The duo spent three seasons together at Ewood Park in the Championship, with Brereton Díaz still learning his trade as a youngster while Armstrong, two years older, scored at a prolific rate to earn his move to Saints in 2021.
Three years later, the more physical Brereton Díaz, 25, has matured into a regular goalscorer himself, and the deadly double act are together again, this time to have a crack at the Premier League.
“I know a few of the boys that I played with at Blackburn,” Brereton Díaz said, having also played alongside Taylor Harwood-Bellis in 2020/21.
“Obviously Arma, I played with him for a couple of years at Blackburn, what an unbelievable lad. He’s done amazing things, scoring goals, he’s a great player and a great person, so I’m excited to see him.
“We were both a little bit younger at Blackburn, but we played a lot of times together, we had a good relationship there and I’m sure we’ll pick up where we left off and have a good relationship here as well.”
Signed from Villarreal on a four-year deal, Chile international Brereton Díaz is a versatile forward capable of playing anywhere across the forward line – much like Armstrong – and is itching for another crack at the Premier League, where he scored six goals in 14 appearances in a productive loan spell at Sheffield United last season.
“I don’t mind where I’m playing. I’ll do my best in any position I get put in – right, left, down the middle, it doesn’t really bother me,” he continued.
“I got the opportunity to play last season at Sheffield United and it was great for me – my first time in the Premier League and I loved every minute of it, playing on the biggest stage.
“As soon as that six months finished, I knew for sure I wanted to come back to England. It gave me a real desire for it, and I’m happy this great club has chosen to sign me, so I’m really excited.
“Two years ago, playing in the Championship, to then going to play in La Liga and with Chile and in the Europa League, it’s definitely been big steps. I’ve met some great people and played with some great players, so every experience has been good for me and just keeps me learning.
“I’m excited to be down on the south coast for the first time. I’ve heard it’s an amazing place to live, so me and my family are really excited to be down here as well.”
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