Tonda Eckert has spotted something he 'loves' about Southampton's Divin Mubama | OneFootball

Southampton head coach Tonda Eckert has picked out something he admires about striker Divin Mubama.

Tonda Eckert has every reason to be pleased about Southampton's start to the season even if choppier waters are on the horizon for the German.

Saints started the campaign with a four-point deduction but sit comfortably in mid-table, having lost just two of their opening eight games, with promotion a distinct possibility.

Striker Cyle Larin has grasped most of the headlines, and rightly so as he has already bagged seven goals in eight Championship appearances.

However, Eckert has taken time to speak about fellow forward and summer arrival Divin Mubama and has explained what he loves about the 21-year-old.

Tonda Eckert praises Southampton striker Divin Mubama

Action Images

After Ross Stewart secured his move to Swansea City, Saints needed to secure another striker and decided on Mubama, who joined on a season-long loan from Manchester City.

The England under-21 international had Championship previous, having bagged five goals in 26 league games for Stoke City last term before a serious ankle injury sidelined him for almost the entirety of the end of the season.

Mubama has featured heavily as a substitute so far this term, notching one goal and one assist, as he has played second fiddle to Larin.

However, that has not stopped the striker's head coach from singing his praises during the international break.

"As a character, he's exactly what I love about players," Eckert told the Southern Daily Echo. "[He] trains hard always. I think he's shown the value that he has to the groups in moments of the game."

"I think, like for every other player, there are things to improve and that is completely normal. But I am very happy about the way that he has settled in, and I know that he does a job for the team."

Why Mubama could be a key weapon for Saints

Action Images

One goal in eight appearances may not be anything special, but there will be a time when Mubama is needed, and he has the quality to produce when it matters.

The Englishman's only goal of the campaign came against his former side Stoke, with the forward calmly slotting home inside the penalty area after Finn Azaz picked out his run.

Mubama has built his early career on clinical finishing with his hat-trick against Bristol City last season, showcasing his ability to produce different types of finishes and pounce on errors.

With Azaz and Leo Scienza for company, the former West Ham man would receive plenty of service, while there is also the possibility he plays alongside Larin at some point in the season.

When might Mubama get more opportunities?

Action Images

With Larin flying for Southampton, it is easy to understand why Eckert is reluctant to change a winning formula, but Mubama's time will come.

There will be moments when the Saints have three games within a week and while the German would love Larin to start every one of those, there will surely be a time when rotation is required, more likely against lesser opposition.

Of course, there is also the possibility that the Canadian picks up an injury, especially as he won't have the benefit of rest during international breaks as his country's number nine.

Alternatively, there may also be a time when Eckert wants to try two strikers up top, and if he is temporarily replaced by another head coach, then what's to say they won't try that experiment?