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Southampton 2017/18 season review: Mario Lemina

By Daniel Hargraves

WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 03: Mario Lemina of Southampton celebrates after scoring his sides first goal with Sofiane Boufal of Southampton during the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Southampton at The Hawthorns on February 3, 2018 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)
WEST BROMWICH, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 03: Mario Lemina of Southampton celebrates after scoring his sides first goal with Sofiane Boufal of Southampton during the Premier League match between West Bromwich Albion and Southampton at The Hawthorns on February 3, 2018 in West Bromwich, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images) /
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After joining Southampton in the summer for a then record fee of £18 million, Mario Lemina has had a mixed debut campaign for the Saints.

The Gabonese midfielder has generally been a regular in the starting line-up this term but has missed games here and there due to niggling injuries that may have prevented consistent five-star performances.

However, you could definitely say that the 24-year-old has been Southampton’s player with the most ‘flair’ as some of the tricks and skills the midfielder has pulled off have been sensational!

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 16: Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea and Mario Lemina of Southampton battle for posession during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on December 16, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 16: Cesar Azpilicueta of Chelsea and Mario Lemina of Southampton battle for posession during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Southampton at Stamford Bridge on December 16, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /

Traditionally, Lemina is a defensive midfielder and has been playing alongside either Oriol Romeu or Pierre Hojbjerg for the majority of the campaign, however it has been noted that he does have attacking traits as well with great pace, agility and skill. This could be a potential position for next season as it’s certain that the Gabonese man will want to build on just one assist and a single goal this campaign, a thunder-strike away at West Brom.

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What is pleasing to see, as Lemina has been a defensive midfielder mostly this season, is that he’s won 73% of his tackles and only been shown two yellow cards in 30 league appearances. 28 fouls also is a good statistic when compared with teammate Oriol Romeu who loves to get his name in the referees notepad.

Furthermore, at 6ft tall, Lemina has won 151 duels and 55 50/50s; this could give the manager a headache as to whether the midfielder should sit deep or have a more advanced role.

The 24-year-old does have a mistake in him though, losing the ball at West Ham leading to their first goal is of note, and has also had some shocking performances, Spurs away is one.

However, if Lemina can avoid injuries next campaign and play a 40 game season then I’m sure we’ll see the best out of him and, at that point, £18 million will seem like a bargain for the ex-Juventus man!

Verdict

Mario Lemina: 7/10