Two days on from Sofiane Boufal’s Maradona-esque goal against West Brom, and Southampton supporters still have goosebumps watching the replays.
But now, attention has to turn to an important game this weekend against Brighton. Finishing the month with seven points from nine would be a great return regardless of the opposition – and it could be doable with Sofiane Boufal in the starting XI.
Despite being subbed on in the 81st minute, Boufal successfully completed more dribbles than any other Southampton player, and was thus awarded Man of the Match for his efforts.
Whether he should’ve come on earlier or not is still up for discussion, but next week he has to start. Having been brought on as a sub he’s repaid the manager’s faith – now Mauricio Pellegrino has to reward him with a start.
Previously the Moroccan’s only appearance NOT as a sub was against Watford – arguably the most impressive side to have played at St. Mary’s Stadium this season. His quiet 71 minutes can’t be over-scrutinized.
Boufal has always had that in his locker – only the super-impressive Mario Lemina is averaging more dribbles per game, and he’s playing a lot more minutes than the Moroccan.
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What the 24-year-old winger has always seemed to lack is composure – that clinical nature in front of goal – most of the time when he’s in that situation he tends to arch the ball into the cliched row Z.
Boufal should go into the game against a promoted Brighton side full of confidence, and leaving him on the bench would be a big mistake by Pellegrino. Doing so could easily knock that swagger out of his sails.
The Brighton match should be a nice, open game with both sides knowing that on their day, they can steal the three points. The former-Lille man’s ability to unpick defences is second-to-none and with confidence he could easily go and produce a great performance.
I’m sure I speak for all Saints fans when I say that I’m super excited to see what he can produce next time.