Former Saints captain Claus Lundekvam has heaped praise on current skipper Jose Fonte, admitting: “people thought he might struggle – but I always believed in him.”

Lundekvam, who made more than 400 appearances for Saints between 1996 and 2007, is delighted the Portuguese centre-back has proved so many people wrong this term.

Prior to the summer’s exodus of players, there was some speculation that Fonte could be the weak link in the Saints backline.

But after the departure of last term’s match-day skipper Adam Lallana and defensive partner Dejan Lovren, the 30-year-old has claimed the armband and has been solid at the back.

Fonte has led Saints to the club’s best start to a top flight season ever, and the finest defensive record in English football this campaign – conceding just five goals in ten games.

“Fonte has been outstanding,” Lundekvam said. “When Lovren left there was a lot of worry over the defence and how much more was expected of Fonte.

“But he’s done amazingly well and has grown as a player.

“He’s a lot more secure and with that captain’s armband on he is a very impressive leader of the team.

“Fonte was one of the players that people thought might struggle, but I always believed in him.

“And he believed in himself, he’s dealing impressively with the responsibility on his shoulders as the captain.

“I’m very happy for him and very impressed by his performances.”

Lundekvam knows the importance of having a reliable partner at the heart of defence and is sure Fonte has got himself one.

“Alderweireld is also a class act,” he said. “They’ve bought excellently over the summer.

“They have players with international experience and I’ve been impressed with Alderweireld.

“The offensive players they’ve got are outstanding as well.

“Tadic is a class act as well. Offensively they are on fire and are doing extremely well at the back.”

Norwegian ace Lundekvam, who formed a formidable defensive partnership with Michael Svensson during his time on the south coast, is full of praise for this season’s team.

“They’ve done unbelievably well,” he said. “Everybody thought they would crumble after selling so many players.

“But they’ve surprised so many people, they’ve bought well and having taken a good step forward.

“It’s going superbly but the winter will be hard if injuries and suspensions kick in.”