Southampton’s academy has produced untold amounts of talent, many of which were siphoned off to bigger clubs.

It is almost like a circle of life now with how they continue to churn out stars only to have them poached, where they almost always go on to achieve bigger and better things.

One such example is Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, who did not go straight to Liverpool, but eventually made his way there as many from St Mary’s often do.

Sold for £15m to Arsenal in 2011, this marked a sensational fee for a 17-year-old.

However, the fact that he had ten goals and ten assists in 43 games for the Saints at that age suggested that he was truly destined for greatness.

Although many might argue he never properly fulfilled his star-bound potential, he achieved some pretty special feats across his career.

He scored 20 times in nearly 200 appearances for the Gunners, ending up with three FA Cups for his troubles.

It was not a sensational return but was certainly solid enough to denote the move as a success.

However, his transfer to Liverpool is what will really leave fans on the south coast somewhat regretting the decision all those years ago to sanction his departure.

The Reds forked out what seemed like an astronomical £35m fee for his services, and although injuries again halted his Anfield career, he has won nearly every trophy available to him now including a Premier League and Champions League.

Again a return of 17 goals and 15 assists is nothing special across 133 appearances, but his trophy cabinet is indicative of a fine player with the quality to contribute to all of these titles.

Journalist and avid Liverpool supporter Ben Webb predicted an “explosive” season for the 29-year-old back in 2019, just before they would go on to win their first league title since 1990.

He certainly was an explosive player, with his ability to pick the ball up and drive from midfield likely the reason he was so sought after.

Whilst he never seemed to recapture his form as a teenager at Southampton, his mere presence in these exceptional sides has meant that he will retire one day wholly satisfied with his extensive list of silverware.

He also featured 35 times for England, scoring seven times, including a famous goal at the Maracana against Brazil.

It is a shame he never did fulfil his touted potential, although for Saints fans it might have added insult to injury, as he has gone on to achieve insane amounts of triumph whilst his former club have been largely marooned in mid-table.