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Southampton ten-game player analysis: Mario Lemina

By Ben Whitlock

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 15: Mario Lemina of Southampton prepars to take a free kick during the Premier League match between Southampton and Newcastle United at St Mary's Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 15: Mario Lemina of Southampton prepars to take a free kick during the Premier League match between Southampton and Newcastle United at St Mary's Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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Southampton’s summer addition in to the centre-midfield has got accustomed to life in the Premier League very quickly, and the Saints are already being praised for making yet another impressive signing.

Lemina has slotted right in alongside last year’s player of the year in Oriol Romeu, and it has not taken long for a strong partnership to be formed.

The Saints fans have already taken a shine to Lemina, because of the job he does for the team and the impact he has on the side.

Since the arrival of Lemina from Juventus earlier this summer for a fee of £15.4 million, he has been nothing short of phenomenal. Playing in seven out of Saints’ nine league games so far, all of which he has started, he is already starting to prove his worth to the team, with two man of the match awards under his belt already.

Accumulating over these 7 appearances, the central midfielder has tallied up 575 minutes. In this time the Gabonese international has a pass success rate of 91.1%, completing 400 out of 439 passes.

With the 24-year-old commanding the centre of midfield and sitting in front of the back four, he has won 15 out of the 21 tackles he has attempted, with a tackle win ratio of 71%. Lemina acts as a driving force for the Saints, winning the ball back and pushing the ball up field, turning defence into attack in a flash.

Only seven games in to his Premier League career, the future looks very promising for Lemina, as he can only get better.

Next: Lemina out of Brighton clash

Out of the 87 duels he has attempted, he was won 57 of them, with a 65% winning percentage. Good both with the ball at his feet, and in the air, the centre midfielder has won nine out of the 15 aerial duels he has attempted, winning 60% of the battles.

Already a fan favourite with the St Mary’s crowd, the future looks very bright for Mario Lemina. A hardworking powerhouse in the centre of the midfield, Lemina’s impact on the squad is already easy to see. If he is able to contribute a few goals to the side, then he can become one of the best at his position.