Think of a tall, rangy and classy centre-back playing at The Dell tomorrow with a penchant for passing the ball out of defence.

Chances are you have Rio Ferdinand in mind, yet the description could equally apply to Claus Lundekvam, who is strikingly similar in style, if not looks - or price.

Ferdinand has just moved to Leeds from West Ham for a British record £18m - 50 times more than Saints paid for Lundekvam.

In terms of value for money, it would be hard to better the £350,000 shelled out on the Norwegian who is currently in the best form of his Southampton career.

His composure on the ball and perceptive reading of the game have established him as a strong foil for Dean Richards in the heart of the defence.

Like Ferdinand, he is confident in possession preferring to caress rather than thump the ball - and again like tomorrow's oppo he is prone to the odd lapse in concentration.

It is an element to his game which Lundekvam has worked hard to improve and Saints are now reaping the benefit.

He said: "I've always been known for being laid-back and perhaps taking the occasional risk but my concentration's a lot better now.

"This is probably my most consistent season. In previous years, I'd have some good games and then maybe drop down a level.

"This campaign, I feel I have a half-decent level all the time. I feel good and the gaffer keeps us on our toes not to give anything away. He's helped me in terms of my focus.

"I still like to play. I feel comfortable on the ball and you'll never find me just defending and launching everything. There are times when the ball has to go in row Z but I am learning when to do that and when to play.

"I think Rio perhaps has the same problem at times. But he's a very good player and can achieve whatever he wants to. Having said that, I don't think he is worth £18m - no player is worth that."

Lundekvam's powerful influence was highlighted in the last home game, when his departure with a badly-gashed knee proved the turning point of the game.

At the time, Saints were 1-0 up against West Ham but they were caught by two quick goals while still re-adjusting.

But he bounced back strongly at Arsenal, where he took on the mantle of responsibility in the absence of Richards and gave a stirring man-of-the-match display.

Playing well is no substitute for points, though, and Lundekvam is well aware of the importance of beating Leeds.

But he is encouraged by the Yorkshire side's willingness to play football.

He explained: "Leeds will come here to try and win the game and that will suit us - as it did against Chelsea and Aston Villa."

"Coventry, Middlesbrough and Manches-ter City camped in and tried not to lose and we found that quite hard to deal with.

"Away from home, we have been concentrating on defence and looking good on the break. But at home, we try a bit too much if we don't score early.

"But I'm sure we can turn it around."