Southampton have gone from being winless away from home all season in the Championship to securing back-to-back victories on the road.

The 1-0 away win at Norwich City wasn't the most eye-catching performance, so Tonda Eckert's men treated the Saints away faithful packed into the London Stadium to a display they couldn't take their eyes off against West Ham United.

Indeed, the South Coast outfit would run out as breathless 3-2 victors come the end of the enthralling game, leading to a raucous away end atmosphere.

Eckert was particularly complimentary of this Saints star after the full time whistle, who he has dubbed as his most trusted first team figure.

The Saints star Eckert trusts the most

Eckert was understandably delighted with his team's efforts.

The German rightly praised Lewis Dobbin after he grabbed his first ever Saints goal during the high-octane showdown, with the 33-year-old noting that the £9m striker "gave us a lot on the ball today", away from scoring the decisive third goal.

Alongside Dobbin being singled out for praise, Eckert waxed lyrical about James Bree's all-round performance at the wet and windy London Stadium, with the Berlin-born boss going as far as to state that he is his most dependable cog at the moment.

Eckert stated, when speaking passionately to BBC Radio Solent: "James has played the most minutes since I've been here. I trust him to do everything: defend one-versus-one, set-pieces & he has qualities in open play in the first line or to finish off attacks."

The 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 Right-Back?#SaintsFC boss Tonda Eckert lauded James Bree after his smashing volley in the 3-2 win at West Ham 👏

Listen to his full interview with @AdamBlackmore on BBC Sounds ⬇️🗣️https://t.co/QmZUqCwVdo pic.twitter.com/WqVJ76OHkH

— BBC Radio Solent Sport (@solentsport) October 24, 2026

It's amazing that Bree has featured the most under Eckert since their paths have aligned, as the 28-year-old had been cast aside under the previous ill-fated regime of Will Still.

Now, he's undroppable, as per the gushing German, and for good reason, too, as he didn't put a foot wrong all afternoon against Nuno Espirito Santo's hosts.

He deserves this lavish praise

The best place to start with Bree is of course his outstanding 11th minute strike.

The away end would go bananas when the reliable number 14 smashed home a sublime effort to make it 2-0, but they wouldn't be that shocked that Bree had popped up with another memorable goal.

James Bree scores BELTERS 😤 pic.twitter.com/DxVOf5unEi

— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) October 24, 2026

He settled the South Coast Derby with a calmly taken effort, after all, with nine goal contributions now next to his name from 3085 minutes and counting under Eckert.

But, as the complimentary tactician rightly points out, he is trusted to do the lot, and he stood firm at the back when defending Manor Solomon running down the channels.

Solomon did amass five key passes, but the ex-Leeds United winger couldn't muster up a single successful dribble, when trying to bomb past the rock-solid right-back.

100% of Bree's tackles and duels would be won, too, as the Hammers gained more joy via the left flank, courtesy of Kyle Walker-Peters and Jarrod Bowen.

Bree might not get the same flowers as the likes of Cyle Larin and Finn Azaz, but he's a crucial part of Eckert's first team picture, and that was clear for all to see in his West Ham masterclass.

It's not just his ebullient manager in isolation who loves what Bree has to offer, with his defensive teammate at the London Stadium in Jack Stephens labelling him a "legend" after the match.

Jack Stephen’s on Bree’s goal: “It’s just James Bree, ain’t it? He’s just a legend, I love him. He’s so solid, so reliable and he just pops up with these goals. He scores worldies.” #saintsfc [bbc] pic.twitter.com/8FYZ0cIBHf

— SaintsExtra (@SaintsExtra) October 24, 2026

He will be kept in the starting XI for the showdown with Queens Park Rangers next weekend, that's for sure, with the one-time Charlton Athletic loanee actually scoring against the R's last season for the Saints, in a comprehensive 5-0 win.