Southampton midfielder Oriol Romeu enjoying life on the South Coast

Southampon midfielder and fan favourite Oriol Romeu is enjoying the game time he is getting under Claude Puel, after struggling to get game time at Chelsea and Barcelona, as well as during his loan spells at Valencia and Stuttgart.

According to Reuters [H/T The Mail], the Spaniard has already seen marked improvement in his game thanks to the extra minutes on the pitch.

"It's been very good. Having games is something I needed and wanted and coming here has given me this,' Romeu said. 'It is something I haven't done before.

"I've always been fighting for this and I've always been looking for this kind of season... I have good feelings that, as a player, I don't want to lose and want to make it last as long as possible. It's great to have this feeling and hopefully it won't go away."

Romeu has largely impressed as he assumed the role of Victor Wanyama, who left in the summer for Tottenham Hotspur, and that has been reflected in the chances he has been given by coach Puel—with Romeu making appearances in 37 of 42 competitive fixtures this season so far.

"I feel respected. I'm an important part of the dressing room, which in the way you play gives you that respect. It's something very nice... I'm really enjoying it."

Romeu is expected to be a starter in Saturday's late kick-off against Saints' fellow South Coasters Bournemouth. Here's hoping he can pull out another impressive performance in the "derby."