DEFENDER Jannik Vestergaard lifted the lid on the ability of Saints summer signing Mohammed Salisu and said: “He’s a big talent.”

The Ghanaian centre-half, signed from Real Valladolid for £10.9million back in August, is yet to appear for the St Mary’s side this season as he continues to build up his fitness.

Salisu has missed Saints’ opening nine games of the season in all competitions, with boss Ralph Hasenhuttl insisting “he will help us in the future”.

But fellow centre-half Vestergaard believes the 21-year-old looks comfortable with the ball at his feet and “has a lot of years ahead of him”.

Asked about Salisu, who could provide competition for the likes of Vestergaard, Jan Bednarek and Jack Stephens when deemed fit to feature, the Dane said: “Obviously I’ve seen a lot more of him than the fans have.

“But he has had issues, so he hasn’t been training at a hundred per cent until now, which is obviously then difficult to judge someone when they haven’t.

“But he looks comfortable on the ball, has an amazing physique and is just generally a nice guy.

“Quiet for now, but it’s always difficult coming as a new player, so maybe he’s just saving up his words for later!

“But I think he’s a big talent and he has a lot of years ahead of him.

“His English is better than I expected and he both understands everything and speaks fairly well.”

Salisu described as a “dream come true” his move to Saints back in August.

Speaking to the club website after his switch was completed, the defender said: “It is a very good feeling to be a Southampton player.

“I am very happy to be part of the club and I am looking forward to starting here.

“It’s a very good club for me to develop my skills and to learn a lot as a young player and I’m very happy to join.

“Southampton has a fantastic history in developing young players and I hope I do my best to add to that group."