Southampton boss names key rival for Chelsea loanee Ugochukwu in number 6 position

Speaking to reporters at the pre-match press conference before his side's Premier League meeting with Nottingham Forest, Southampton manager Russell Martin identified a key rival for Lesley Ugochukwu in the battle for the number 6 position.

Despite scoring two late goals against Wrexham and Inter Milan that saved Chelsea from suffering defeats, Ugochukwu's impressive performances were not enough to convince Blues coach Enzo Maresca to retain him in the squad for the 2024-2025 season..

The 20-year-old has been loaned out to Southampton for the entirety of the season to continue his development. 

A France U23 international, Ugochukwu, nephew of retired Super Eagles defender Onyekachi Apam, was not called up for Southampton's Premier League opener at Newcastle United as he was not registered in time to make his debut.

Apart from the French-Nigerian youngster, the Saints have also brought in three other midfielders Mateus Fernandes, Adam Lallana and Flynn Downes who joined on a permanent deal after a successful loan spell in 2023-2024, while Carlos Alcaraz is back at the St. Mary's Stadium after a loan stint at Juventus.

Southampton also have in their ranks Super Eagles star Joe Aribo, who can operate as a holding midfielder or box-to-box midfielder.

According to Russell Martin, Ugochukwu will be competing with Flynn Downes for the holding midfield position, though he has not dismissed the idea of playing them both at the same time.

In quotes relayed by Daily Echo, he said: "I would say the number six position is where Lesley will ultimately compete with Flynn and sometimes play alongside Flynn.

"The game has to go through you so that's not an easy position to learn very quickly but he's already been hit with a lot of information and he's adapting."

Uguchukwu will be hoping to make his home debut against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, August 24, wearing the number 26 on the back of his jersey.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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