Exclusive: Francis Benali names the surprise Southampton player who is just like Jimmy Case

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03: Francis Benali and Kevin Davies present for BT Sport during the UEFA Europa League match between Southampton FC and FC Internazionale Milano at St Mary's Stadium on November 3, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

Tyler Dibling has been the center of attention at Southampton recently after making a strong Premier League debut.

While many Southampton fans knew of Dibling’s potential, few expected the 18-year-old to make such a significant impact on the first team so quickly.

Manager Russell Martin has tried to manage expectations for Dibling to ease the pressure on him, but after several impressive substitute appearances, Martin had no choice but to start him against Manchester United.

Dibling proved the decision right, emerging as Southampton’s standout player in a 3-0 loss, and followed that performance by scoring his first senior goal just five minutes into the match against Ipswich Town last weekend.

What made the moment even more special for Southampton supporters was that the goal was assisted by fellow academy graduate Adam Lallana, who, at 36, returned to the club this summer a decade after departing for Liverpool.

Tyler Dibling of Southampton celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Ipswich Town FC at...

Francis Benali excited by what he has seen from Tyler Dibling at Southampton

Another product of Southampton’s academy is Francis Benali, affectionately known as ‘Franny’ by Saints fans.

Benali, who made 348 appearances for the club, knows what it takes to succeed and has been impressed by Dibling’s rise.

In his *Daily Echo* column, Benali wrote: “It’s only natural for fans to be excited about Dibling. He’s one of those rare players that makes you jump out of your seat.”

Benali also made a surprising comparison between Dibling and his former teammate, the tough-as-nails Jimmy Case, noting Dibling’s unusually low socks and small shin pads.

He commented, “Dibling’s shin pads reminded me of Jimmy Case, who used to stuff a spongy piece of felt in his socks and call it protection. I remember a few players noticing that and thinking they could target Case because of it. That wasn’t the wisest idea.”

Dibling will again be key for Southampton against Bournemouth

Diogo Dalot of Manchester United (right) and Tyler Dibling of Southampton FC during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Manchester ...

While Dibling’s performances have lifted spirits at Southampton, the reality remains that the club has yet to secure a win since their Premier League return.

Dibling’s goal against Ipswich wasn’t enough to change this, as Southampton conceded a heartbreaking equalizer in the 95th minute, with Sam Morsy’s deflected strike leveling the score.

Next, they face a south coast derby away at Bournemouth, where manager Russell Martin will be eager for his team to build on their first point of the season and begin climbing out of the relegation zone.

Although it’s still early in the season, Southampton must start collecting points regularly to avoid falling too far behind the rest of the Premier League.

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