Mateus Fernandes endures a frustrating loss with Portugal's U21 side, which may remind fans of last season's Newcastle United misery.
One can't help but admit that the 2024/25 season has been a special one with footballing action all over it. But, having seen a demotion and with rare names competing till now in the campaign, Saints fans can't say the same.
Well, it couldn't have been worse for the supporters who got another heartbreak in the U21 Euro yesterday.
Mateus Fernandes' season ends with a U21 Euro elimination
That's mainly been for Mateus Fernandes as Portugal U21 got eliminated by U21 Netherlands in the Euros. Now, a quarterfinal loss naturally affects, but it was the frustrating 0-1 result that must've pinched the youngster even more.
As quoted by the Daily Echo, Fernandes looked shattered post-game, admitting: "(It has been) a very exhausting season for me personally. I am completely fed up with football. Many defeats, a year of learning."
Honestly, this reaction may feel extreme, but who better than Saints fans would relate to the 20-year-old's situation? That's because this game may remind them of the opening-day defeat against Newcastle.
If you remember, Southampton had a brilliant game by their standards on the first matchday last season. Barring a goal, the Saints looked convincing on all fronts, especially after Newcastle were reduced to 10-man early in the game.
Unfortunately, still, Southampton ended up on the losing side and their season never took the start they needed.
Strangely, the recent U21 knockout featuring Mateus felt the same, where he and Portugal finished on the wrong side of the result.
Even then, seeing Mateus' face at full-time must have had Saints fans disappointed. But on the positive side of things, this says a lot about the young prodigy's mentality.
Remember how some time back, Saints hero Steven Davis recollected how he still regrets that Carabao Final loss against Man United? Well, Mateus Fernandes is very well stepping into the elite list of Saints players with that mindset.
Be it his post-substitution reaction or the final defeat flashes, it was evident how much this game mattered to him. And that's what Southampton must embrace in the upcoming seasons.
In Mateus Fernandes, the Saints have an excellent talent who knows the importance of games and takes each matchday very seriously. If the club recognizes it, it could be to huge advantage for their Championship success.