Charles: Martin's style will suit me
Shea Charles believes Southampton’s possession-based style of play under Russell Martin will be the perfect fit for him as he looks to launch his senior club career at St Mary’s.
The 19-year-old Northern Ireland international has signed a four-year contract after departing Manchester City, where he was on the books from the age of seven.
The midfielder, who has also featured as a centre-back and right-back in the past, follows in the footsteps of former City quartet Gavin Bazunu, Roméo Lavia, Samuel Edozie and Juan Larios, who all made the same move last summer.
Charles believes there are parallels between the way he was brought up in the City Academy and the way Martin wants his Saints side to play in the forthcoming season.
“I’m buzzing. The place looks great, all the players that I’ve seen so far have welcomed me nicely, so I can’t wait to get started,” he said.
“I just feel like the way the manager’s going to play will really suit me, and obviously some of the players that I know (from City) have done very well here last season in the Premier League, so there’s no reason why I can’t come in here and do similar things.
“I’ve spoken to them a little bit and they’ve praised the place and obviously the style of play as well."
Charles revealed a phone conversation with Martin helped the manager explain his vision and how his second summer signing fits into those plans.
“He (Martin) called me the other night, explaining that it will be good for me with the possession-based football that he looks to play, and I just can’t wait. He said I’ll almost be used to his style of play, which is a positive thing obviously," he added.
“He sees me as more like a defensive midfielder. Obviously I can play in other positions as well, but I prefer that position, so that’s where I like to play.
“I feel like I read the game really well, which can obviously help my teammates as well with tactical stuff, and I’ve got a good range of passing – I can hit diagonals and short passes.
“I feel like the main thing is promotion for this club, because we belong in the Premier League. I can’t wait to start pre-season and get into the Championship games.”
