Despite joining Southampton from Plymouth in 2011 and making his first team debut for the club in January 2012, it took five years for Jack Stephens to make his next appearance for the Saints.

That came against Everton at Goodison Park in January – his Premier League bow – when he replaced Cedric Soares at right-back.

His next outing was just two matches later when he replaced Virgil van Dijk after the Dutchman picked up a foot injury in the home win against Leicester City.

This time he slotted in at centre-back and he has been an ever-present there since, forming a partnership with Maya Yoshida at the heart of the defence.

The 23-year-old has had to step up following the departure of Jose Fonte in January and with Van Dijk possibly set to miss the rest of the season, but he has done that and may just be staking a claim to be a first team regular next term.

Here are three reasons Stephens is proving there’s a long-term future for him at Southampton…

His vast improvement

While he may have been understandably shaky at times when he first came into the side, Stephens is certainly learning and growing into the role the more he plays and the more experience he gets.

He was brilliant as Southampton kept a clean sheet away at West Bromwich Albion, dealing well with the aerial threat that the Baggies can bring – especially from set pieces.

Whether captain Virgil van Dijk stays or not, the 23-year-old is sending out a message to Claude Puel that he should be a regular starter next term.

Ability on the ball

While his defensive game is improving no end, Puel will also be impressed with Stephens’ ability on the ball.

When he does receive it from Fraser Forster or an outfield teammate, rather than just lump it up the field the 23-year-old always look to find a Saints player with a pass.

It is something that he is doing very well right now, and his quality in possession means that he has all the ingredients to go on and be brilliant modern day centre-back.

Reading of the game

Again, this is something that Saints fans have seen an improvement in since he made his Premier League debut in January.

The centre-back’s reading of the game has certainly improved, and the number of interceptions he is making as he snuffs out the danger is increasing.

Should his concentration lapse Stephens has also shown that he has the pace to rectify the situation, as he did when he initially lost Josh King in the draw against Bournemouth, before making a recovery challenge.

Do you agree, Saints fans? Let us know below.