Romeo Lavia has insisted he is "trying to give back" to Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl.
The 18-year-old midfielder, signed from Manchester City this summer, has started all four Premier League games so far.
Asked if playing time was behind his move to Saints, Lavia told the Daily Echo: "I just came to kind of get experience and I'm getting the chance.
"I'm trying to give it back to the manager because he trusts me, so from my side I have to prove the manager is correct."
Saints will be looking to bounce back from last weekend's loss to Manchester United when they welcome Chelsea to St. Mary's on Wednesday.