There’s no denying that Manolo Gabbiadini’s 2017/18 campaign was poor, but could the Italian find a new lease of life in a new formation?
It’s unclear how Southampton will set up this coming season, although following the Saints’ pursuit of Brazilian defender Marlon Santos, many believe that the side could deploy a 3-4-2-1 or a similar set-up that includes three central-defenders.
Assuming they do, the formation would allow Ryan Bertrand and Cedric Soares to play with freedom as the team’s most natural wide players, with the likes of Mohamed Elyounoussi and Nathan Redmond potentially playing slightly more tucked in either side of the striker.
An example of this formation in practice would be how Arsenal set-up for portions of the last year, which Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil playing either side of the #9 to offer that creative spark.
With that in mind, could the technically-gifted Manolo Gabbiadini thrive in a similar role in the pocket between the wing and the forward?
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With Moi providing the pace on the other side of Charlie Austin or a potential new arrival, Gabbiadini could offer his on-pitch intelligence from a deeper position, something which supporters have been calling for for a long time.
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The Italian has never been an out and out natural striker, instead he often played as a supporting player during his time on Napoli as either as second striker or as an attacking midfielder as much as he played as the leading man.
Charlie Austin will always be superior as a natural striker, and that’s why the past two coaches have limited Gabbi to a bench role for the best part. However, the 26-year-old is at his best when offering link-up play and making smart runs in behind – something which we could see if Gabbiadini plays as an inside-forward.
Technically, the ex-Napoli man is one of the best in the Southampton squad, especially now Dusan Tadic has departed the side to return to the Netherlands.
Last season one of main issues with the Saints was isolation in the final third – they were too conservative and couldn’t produce goals when it mattered. Having as much creativity as possible could help massively, and Gabbiadini can always make a difference when he’s on the pitch.
His lack of natural pace could be a cause for concern in a position which could force him to stray wide, however his technical ability – and the fact that Cedric would always be overlapping – gives us reason to believe that the Italian forward could thrive by sitting just off of the natural #9.