2016/17 Southampton season review: Manolo Gabbiadini

Brought in at the end of January from Napoli in Italy, striker Manolo Gabbiadini was an instant hit at Southampton under Claude Puel.

When Charlie Austin was sidelined in December Southampton went out their way to bring in a new striker, signing Manolo Gabbiadini for a fee of around £14 million.

The Italian ended up making just nine league appearances however due to an injury that set him back for the best part of a month, and the Italian failed to re-find his blistering form after returning to the starting XI in April.

However when he joined he was in a serious purple patch, having scored in his last three games before leaving the Italian side. Upon joining Claude Puel’s side he found the back of the net six times in his first four games, taking his tally to nine in just seven appearances.

Gabbiadini’s goal on his debut was particularly spectacular, as he developed a reputation for making really intelligent runs and being instinctive in the box.

The 25-year-old was denied a hattrick in the EFL Cup final only via an unjust linesman’s flag, with the Saints going on to lose 3-2 thanks to a late goal from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Next: Season review: Charlie Austin

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – MAY 21: Manolo Gabbiadini of Southampton reacts to a missed chance during the Premier League match between Southampton and Stoke City at St Mary’s Stadium on May 21, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /

End of season struggles

After limping off after 32 minutes against Tottenham Hotpsue, Gabbiadini was sidelined for the best part of five weeks, returning on Easter weekend when the Saints played Manchester City.

The Italian international played another six games without finding the net, although he did only play the full 90 minutes on the one occasion.

However seven games without a goal is a poor run for any striker, and Gabbiadini will want to return to the form he had when signed for the club going into the new season in August.

However stat-wise Gabbiadini still enjoyed a decent few months with the Saints, averaging 2.6 shots and 0.5 key passes every game. This comes in addition to being dispossessed less than once a game.

My verdict

Gabbiadini certainly had a great start to life with the Saints, but his baron run at the campaign can’t be ignored. However there is also the argument that Puel’s setup was so defensive that he lacked any decent support.

However I think that he’s got some serious ability and I think he’s shown himself to be one of the most technically-gifted players in the squad. I give him a 7.5.

Manolo Gabbiadini: 7.5/10