FC Midtjylland midfielder Tim Sparv has praised Southampton for the way they've managed to replace the raft of homespun players they've lost.

Sparv had time with the Saints youth team alongside Adam Lallana, Gareth Bale and Theo Walcott.

"I think Southampton as a club has always developed good footballers. It has not stopped since then. They continue to produce players at the highest level," Sparv told fotbollskanalen.se.

"When I was there, we had an international environment. For example, we had a Frenchman as a coach. It was not the typical English approach that was about defending, winning duels, blocking shots and working hard. There was a great contrast between the different coaches and everything was very professional.

"We had six or seven big football fields and a hall, and the facilities were really good for us academy players. It was a culture that was important to the academy and player development. They always invested in the academy and made it a priority.

"I think it's a bit the same here. It is part of the club's DNA to nurture its own players. It's something that I would like to see more clubs appreciate a little more."