Southampton: Rating the impact of Saints’ academy graduates this season

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 09: Yan Valery of Southampton celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary's Stadium on March 09, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - MARCH 09: Yan Valery of Southampton celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary's Stadium on March 09, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 22: Michael Obafemi of Southampton celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Southampton FC at John Smith’s Stadium on December 22, 2018 in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 22: Michael Obafemi of Southampton celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Southampton FC at John Smith’s Stadium on December 22, 2018 in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) /

Michael Obafemi – B+

Obafemi first appeared for Saints under Mauricio Pellegrino last season but has taken his development on a step in this campaign.

A space within the group of forwards in the first-team opened up and the 18-year-old’s pace and exuberance certainly added something extra.

He netted his first senior goal in the 3-1 win over Huddersfield back in December and has made seven appearances.

In recent times though, some troublesome injuries have halted his progress and perhaps highlighted the fact that he still needs time to develop.