Southampton: How Manolo Gabbiadini staying could prove important

It’s just been less than a month since that vital game at the Liberty Stadium, which saw Manolo Gabbiadini become the difference maker in ensuring top flight status for Southampton, though there has been uncertainty around the players future at the club.

It had been cited since around January, that the Italian forward would look to move on back to his homeland as reportedly he felt he had not settled to life in England so well. To add, having not suited the playing style of then manager Mauricio Pellegrino and thus been utilised on the bench, it was understandable why Gabbiadini was not happy in the Southampton set up.

When reviewing him for Southampton very vividly this past season, the striker failed to make a real impact on a consistent basis through not looking as lively as he had upon his arrival in January 2017. Therefore there have been mixed views on Gabbiadini, if he should stay on the south-coast or move onto other pastures because either he does not fit the system or by not looking as sharp as he could.

However, it should be mentioned that the former-Napoli man has not been used in a deeper-role to which he best plays in, Whoscored.com very much agreeing that an attacking midfield role is his preferred/most influential position.

Putting that thought on the back burner though, it should be noted that when given the opportunities or the service, the Italian has been rather important at times for Saints – mentioned from earlier, his goal against Swansea, as well being the only Southampton player on the scoresheet against Burnley and Newcastle, single-handedly won vital points.

Next: International duty for four Saints players

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• Grading the Southampton Transfer Window Part 1: Departures
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But what does the future hold for Gabbiadini? Well recently, the Italian expressed his desire to ‘grow at Southampton‘, (Reported by Daily Echo), being quoted on an Italian radio station saying “I’m still young and I want to grow here. I feel at ease in the Premier League.” Going on to also mention that “I’ve done my job and my duty. Next year we will play again in the Premier League and that’s all that matters. There’s no need to celebrate too much.”

Clearly very easy to read into these quotes, and with no reports of them being lost in translation, it would suggest that Gabbiadini could be still on the south-coast come the end of the upcoming transfer window to the surprise of many.

That being said, when at his peak, which we saw a glimpse of, Gabbiadini is absolute game changer without any dispute. The EFL cup final from the previous season was the best example of this, scoring twice to give the Saints a fighting chance against what was a star-studded Manchester United on the day, his goals not exactly being must score chances either.

Therefore, a big if, but if the Italian can be utilised under Mark Hughes either in a deeper role, or have more service provided by new potential signings (Felipe Anderson), or by an attacking style of play then we could see the re-ignition of Gabbiadini’s form. His goal scoring ability is the best at the club, so to utilise that ability could see Southampton perform to the standard that us fans expect.

Likewise to this season, to have a player of his qualities on the bench is also a massive bonus as he offers Southampton a good back-up option, and though Gabbiadini will not want to be sitting on the bench again this upcoming season, his poacher style of play has proven to be vital when Southampton was faced with its most difficult time of the recent past.