Walker-Peters: We know what we're capable of

The right-back initially joined on loan during the January transfer window from Tottenham and was well liked by not just the fans, but also by manager Ralph Hasenhüttl who made the deal permanent in August.

Saints’ new number two shared on why signing a five-year contract wasn’t a tough decision: “I’m really happy as I felt really comfortable towards the end of the season. I felt loved by the club so it’s something I really wanted to do.

“I enjoyed it massively from the moment I got here, the boys and the staff made it really easy for me to settle in and eventually once I got myself in the team and got going it was really enjoyable.”

As mentioned, Walker-Peters won many plaudits as Saints won five of the remaining nine games after the Premier League resumption in June.

Now following a short pre-season, the 23 year-old believes momentum can continue: “I think after the resumption the performances speak for themselves.

“I felt a lot more confident and comfortable and as a team we just clicked better so that we got the results we needed.

“I think it helps a bit [that the new season is starting quickly] but we can’t be complacent. Other teams will have points to prove but we go into the games confident, knowing what we are capable of.

“I think players might prefer the shorter pre-season and getting back to the action quicker because, ultimately, everyone just wants to play games.”

We want to rectify that, start strong and hopefully get into the top ten.

kyle walker peters

Saints begin the new season with a trip to Selhurst Park to face Crystal Palace with the right-back aiming to help improve the start his team-mates made last season: “The boys are aware that they didn’t start last season well.

“We want to rectify that and start strong and hopefully get into the top ten, ready to end strong again. Hopefully we go there and get a win.”