PEP Guardiola has insisted that there is “no secret,” to Oriol Romeu’s longevity but instead that he treats every training session as “the most important moment”.

The 30-year-old Spanish midfielder is set to make his 200th Premier League appearance for Saints when Manchester City travel to St Mary’s today.

Romeu, whose current contract is set to expire at the end of next season, recently revealed how a nutritionist has been helping him get as fit as possible to extend the potential of his career.

The midfield general admitted that his expiring deal was not in mind, but rather that he just wants to take his Saints future “year on year,” to see how long he can go for.

Daily Echo: Saints' Oriol Romeu is a former student of Pep Guardiola (Pic: Stuart Martin)Saints' Oriol Romeu is a former student of Pep Guardiola (Pic: Stuart Martin)

Romeu was given his professional debut by Guardiola when the serial-winner coached Barcelona, but has since gone to play for Chelsea, Valencia, Stuttgart and Saints – all in their respective top divisions.

Guardiola has in the past referred to the combative player as one his favourite midfielders, and speaking ahead of the Premier League he explained what he liked so much.

“His understanding,” the title-favourite’s manager said. “I like it when holding midfielders understand the game.

Daily Echo: Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola (Pic: PA)Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola (Pic: PA)

“He knows exactly how his team have to play, he’s a team player and an exceptional guy so we are very pleased he is playing at a high level.”

Reflecting on his time coaching the Saints vice-captain, Guardiola added: “He was so young, he it was his first steps and at that age you never know what is going to happen.

“But he was at Chelsea and you know he’s been at top clubs, and now a long time in Southampton.

Daily Echo: Oriol Romeu signed for Chelsea in 2011 (Pic: PA)Oriol Romeu signed for Chelsea in 2011 (Pic: PA)

“At his age, after what has happened, injuries he has had, to still be doing this – every training session was the most important moment or the most important time so when this happens, this is the reason why he still plays at the top level.

“There is no secrets, the guy can drop a little bit but if he believes that what they have done in the past is enough to still be there, you can sustain your high level for a long, long time.

“This is what Ori has done, so good for him.”

Daily Echo: Oriol Romeu has been integral to Ralph Hasenhuttl's midfield this season (Pic: Stuart Martin)Oriol Romeu has been integral to Ralph Hasenhuttl's midfield this season (Pic: Stuart Martin)

An ankle injury ruled Romeu out for the majority of the second-half of last season, resulting in the Spaniard only making 21 league appearances.

However, this campaign Romeu has missed only two matches – the 3-0 loss at Arsenal and 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur.

With a nutritionist on hand to get the most out of his diet, Romeu hopes to target as long as he can at the highest level.