Cyle Larin backs Finn Azaz and Leo Scienza for Premier League step | OneFootball

Southampton are pushing to return to the Premier League, and Cyle Larin has tipped Finn Azaz and Leo Scienza to handle the step if promotion is secured. "They're quality players, and they have the ability to play in the top leagues for me."

Speaking to the Daily Echo, the Southampton loanee added: "Obviously, I've played against top players across the world, some of the best at [in the world] times. They have the quality to play in any league they want."

Promotion must come first, yet Tonda Eckert's side want to avoid a yo-yo tag by staying up if they do return. Southampton were top-flight ever-presents from 2012 until relegation at the end of 2022/23.

The gap between the Championship and Premier League can be brutal. Adam Armstrong has 91 Championship goals in his career, compared with only seven at the top level.

Larin also said: "And they can play in the Premier League next year if we make that jump. For them, it's just developing each day to become better and show their qualities each game."

With 86 La Liga appearances and four goals already in England, the Canadian's experience underlines the praise, and it remains to be seen whether Southampton pursue a permanent deal in the summer.

Both Azaz and Scienza are permanent members of Tonda Eckert's squad for now, and they have 16 league goals between them this season. Scienza has previously dealt with the demands of the Bundesliga with Heidenheim, while Azaz was playing in League Two as recently as 2022, with the Premier League the final rung in his domestic climb.

Source: Sainstmarching.com