In August 2023, Martin handed Dibling his first senior appearance in the Carabao Cup defeat at Gillingham when he was just 17 years old. At that time, Dibling wore his socks high at the request of former director of football Jason Wilcox; however, he has since reverted to the Jack Grealish style. Now, he dictates his own game, asserting his confidence on the field.
Tyler Dibling said, “I have not been nervous since my first pass on my first start against Manchester United. He [Martin] did say to me a few times that I would break through next season properly. He has been amazing, he’s like my second Dad. He cares a lot and shows me that he does. There’s a clip he’s telling me off in but he says what you need to hear. He does it in a loving way and he is getting the best out of me so I really appreciate it. I had only played five minutes in the league last year. I was thinking should I go on loan or can I show I am ready for the Premier League?”
Reflecting on a memorable experience,
Tyler Dibling recalled, “I remember being in the under-16s when I went on the bench with Ralph and it was a bit surreal. You think ‘this is it’. Although, I accidentally sat in Stuart Armstrong’s seat on the bus – but he let me take it and moved next to James Ward-Prowse.”
Despite witnessing Saints’ 3-0 defeat at Brentford from the sidelines, Dibling caught the attention of notable clubs like Newcastle United and Chelsea, illustrating his rising profile within the football community.
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