Southampton may have lost 3-0 to Manchester United but one player stood out like a sore thumb.
Tyler Dibling – take a bow.
The 18-year-old made his first start in the Premier League against the 13-time champions, having already made three substitute appearances this season.
And he didn’t look out of place at St Mary’s.
His teammates at the back may have struggled against the Red Devils, but Dibling put in a great shift on the right wing.
There he gave Diogo Dalot a torrid afternoon, turning him inside out and evening winning his side a penalty.
Southampton squandered that chance with Cameron Archer seeing his spot-kick and following header saved by Andre Onana.
Nevertheless, Dibling’s 63 minutes on the pitch were a brilliant showcase of his potential.
And talkSPORT commentator Sam Matterface, and Premier League legend Stuart Pearce were seriously impressed too.
After half and hour, Pearce said: “He’s had a good start to the game Dibling and it’s interesting to see certainly a devotee of Jack Grealish looking at his mannerisms and how he carries himself. But he’s certainly started the game very well.”
Matterface added: “He certainly has, he’s had a very good start to proceedings.
“Tyler Dibling does have that sort of wispy way about him doesn’t he? That sort of classic winger look.
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“Head almost down on his chest. He looks a little bit like Chris Waddle back in the day with his shirt untucked.”
Pearce responded: “Yeah, he certainly does. I’ve never ever been able to rock that wispy way. More crusty is the style of play that people associate with myself.”
And just moments after he had earned that praise, he went and won Southampton a penalty, dazzling rival Dalot once more.
Matterface remarked: “He’s been causing him problems for the entire first 30 minutes and Tyler Dibbling, the 18-year-old has just gone down the outside of the Portuguese got into the box and he has been felled.”
Pearce acknowledged the chastening first half he’d given Dalot, adding: “Well he’s had a tough day already, Dalot, and he’s gone to ground.
“He’s got nowhere near the ball, he’s gone to ground he’s taken the player out, for me it’s a penalty.”
And Southampton fans will be hoping to see plenty more from Dibling after such a good display against quality opponents.
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