Josh Sims has discussed his adaptation to life with the New York Red Bulls. 

The winger completed a short-term loan move to the MLS outfit in the summer, with Sofiane Boufal returning to Southampton and Moussa Djenepo arriving. 

Sims has since contributed with only one assist, but his progress in the United States has been pleasing, and it seems he has settled in well. 

Speaking in an interview with Kristan Heneage, as reported by The Athletic, the winger lifted the lid on the similarities between Southampton and the New York Red Bulls. He said:

On paper, it seems a bit of a weird one but there was thought behind it. With Ralph, the manager at Southampton, being from a Red Bull team, the way he sort of sets up the team with tactics at Southampton is similar to this.

Stu Forster/Getty Images Sport

The Red Bull teams are similar to this, they want high pressing, so there was that behind that. The way they play, it’s good for me, to get game time here playing the same way they do back at home.

Sims also discussed how Saints are keeping a close eye on his development in the MLS. He continued:

Southampton are very good. They watch all the games, they ask me how I’m getting on during the week. I’m not just sort of out of sight, out of mind. 

That’s a big thing as well because I’m still a Southampton player so I don’t want to be forgotten about. I don’t feel forgotten about.

Read Southampton’s verdict

Sims had a strong second half of last season, and it came as something of a surprise to see him loaned out. 

However, it seems the temporary switch to the New York Red Bulls is paying dividends, with Sims gaining further tactical insight and knowledge elsewhere. 

Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Sport

When players are loaned out, it should be standard practice that they step into environments which entail similar circumstances and demands to that of their parent clubs. 

For Sims, this means working within a tactical structure that involves high-pressing football, an emphasis on youth development and a progressive attitude to coaching. 

As the winger rightly says, this move was a peculiar one on paper. However, as he continues to hone his skills in the United States, it is looking like a clever change of scenery for the youngster.

Does Sims have a future at Southampton?

Yes

No