With the World Cup just around the corner, Southampton have an abundance of talent who will be hoping to go along to Qatar with their respective nations.

Given the location of the club, naturally the majority of the focus will centre around their captain and stalwart James Ward-Prowse.

The 28-year-old is notorious across England for his proficiency over a dead ball, and would certainly offer a steady pair of legs should Gareth Southgate decide to take him along.

However, one man who might be set for a starring role for his nation is Mohammed Salisu, who will line up with Ghana this winter.

His national side faces one of the toughest groups, and to stand any chance of progressing the 6 foot 2 goliath will have to be at his brilliant best to silence the potency that Uruguay and Portugal possess.

Despite their poor start to the season, where they currently sit in the relegation zone, the 23-year-old has actually impressed at the back for the Saints alongside Armel Bella-Kotchap.

He boasts a 7.12 average SofaScore rating, which is only bettered by the aforementioned midfielder.

His displays across both this season and the last led journalist Zach Lowy to claim that he was “quickly emerging as Southampton’s defensive leader."

With 5.1 clearances, 2.7 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game, he might just be right.

Should he translate this form and apparent leadership to his national team, their chances of progression will increase tenfold.

The defender boasts confidence on the ball too that will help his side progress from the back, outlined in his 70.4 touches per game and 78% pass accuracy.

The main reason why Salisu might impress more than Ward-Prowse in Qatar is due to his guaranteed starting place, which his teammate does not have.

Despite the recent departure of Ralph Hasenhuttl, journalist Joel Bortey took to Twitter to praise the work the Austrian did in shaping this young defender.

He claimed that “he built something special” in Salisu, which could come to light on the world stage.

Any success Ghana have this winter will likely hinge on the performances of their Premier League centre-back, whose solidity and consistency this season bodes well for his national team.