Mohammed Salisu is constantly improving at Southampton, according to journalist Tom Barclay.
After arriving at St Mary's for £10.9m in 2020, Salisu's maiden campaign in England was badly disrupted by injuries. However, he has started to show what he can do in the opening weeks of this season.
How has Salisu fared at Southampton this season?
Heading into this season, it looked like Southampton might be stretched at the heart of their defence, given that Jannik Vestergaard departed for Leicester in August.
Their cause was not helped when Jack Stephens picked up a knee injury in September, which he is yet to return from.
However, Salisu's form has ensured that the Saints have not missed the pair of defenders too much. The 6 foot 3 centre-back has started all 11 of Southampton's top-flight fixtures this term, and has played his part in the team keeping a number of clean sheets, including against Manchester City, West Ham and Leeds.
What has Barclay said about Salisu?
Barclay believes Salisu has stepped up his game this season, and he is not the only one who has been impressed by the 22-year-old.
After Southampton's recent clash with Watford, Newcastle United icon Alan Shearer named Salisu in his Team of the Week.
Speaking about Salisu, Barclay told GIVEMESPORT: “In every game he plays, he seems to be improving. He seems to be more confident, a good defender, which is crucial.
“The fact that Shearer put him in that Team of the Week suggests he had a very good game.”
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Is Salisu Southampton's best centre-back?
Only West Brom conceded more goals than Southampton in the Premier League last season, so this was an issue that Ralph Hasenhuttl's men had to fix this time around.
They have made positive steps towards managing that, and that is largely due to the presence of Salisu.
At the age of 22, Salisu seems to be maturing into the complete modern-day central defender, and has held the back four together.
While Jan Bednarek may have more experience than Salisu, there can be little doubt that the Ghanaian is in the better form right now. If Southampton are going to improve on their 15th-place finish from last season, Salisu looks set to play a key role by marshalling the defence and keeping things tight at the back.
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