England under-21s striker Divin Mubama got his first taste of men's football at Stoke City last season and has been reflecting on his time under Mark Robins as he signs for Southampton
Divin Mubama pictured with technical director Johannes Spors after signing for Southampton on loan from Manchester City.
Divin Mubama pictured with technical director Johannes Spors after signing for Southampton on loan from Manchester City.(Image: Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images)
View Image
Divin Mubama believes he is a better player for his experience at Stoke City last season as he returns to the Championship to sign for Southampton. The 21-year-old striker had a rollercoaster campaign at the bet365 Stadium in his first year of regular men's football.
He led the line in the club's strong start but tasted the challenges of a relentless life in the division heading into the winter before an injury in January all-but ended his season. He ended up with five goals in 20 starts and six substitute appearances, including a hat-trick against Bristol City in early November, his last goals for the club.
The England under-21s forward has spent pre-season with Manchester City as they managed their squad while waiting for World Cup stars to return. He has now agreed a loan deal with Southampton, the disgraced play-off losers who start the season with a four-point deduction but are still among the favourites for promotion.
"I learned a lot (at Stoke)," he said in an interview for the Southampton website. "A different style of playing style of football and obviously it’s a physical league, but I felt like I coped with it well.
“Obviously, there’s still a lot more learning to do, and when this challenge came up for me, I didn’t think twice about it. I can see myself playing in the system with the quality players you have around you, and I like to see myself scoring goals.
“I believe in myself, 100 per cent. The way this team plays, and when you’ve got players around you that have that much quality, you will be served. Then it’s just up to you whether you put the ball in the back of the net, and that’s what I’m here to do."
He added: “I don’t want to spoil my secrets but I like to think I’ve got really good movement, so obviously having a really good relationship with my teammates will be really important for me. I think it won’t take too long until it clicks. I believe in the team, I believe in myself, so let’s see.”
Mubama had no hesitation about heading back out on loan. He had been linked with a move to Derby County last month before winding up on the south coast.
He said: "That's what I need. Still, at this age. I need to play and learn my craft. I'm still learning. I know I'm not the finished product. I think learning and getting valuable experiences.
"Playing in a team that suits me. I'm just really excited. I can't wait. I feel really good coming back from a pre-season where I've scored goals. I've played. I feel fresh, sharp, and am really excited to get going."