Left back Welington gave a memorable defensive performance against Ipswich Town on his Southampton debut.
Yesterday, Southampton fans witnessed a great Premier League evening. Visiting Ipswich Town, the Saints dominated a significant chunk of the game and held their nerves for a 2-1 win later.
Overall, it was a proper team performance but one Southampton star drew massive applause from the fans. That star is none other than debutant fullback Welington.
Stepping for the first time in the Premier League is a daunting task in itself, let alone starting in a crunch game. Further, it becomes more difficult when the club's legendary left back insists that there is a huge pecking order already for the fullback role.
Still, the Brazilian rose to the challenge and passed with flying colours. Tackles, duels, interceptions - Welington didn't put a single foot wrong anywhere.
Deservedly, Ivan Juric also came forward post-match to credit Welington for his resilient performance.
Ivan Juric showers praise on resilient debutant after Ipswich Town win
Speaking to the Daily Echo, Ivan Juric praised Welington: "He did really good for a long time, last 10 minutes before he came out he was really tired. Even Albert I think gives us a hand, they are good players."
Honestly, the Ipswich Town clash was the perfect game for Welington to announce himself to the Southampton faithful. And it became even better when Onuachu scored the rebound chance to claim the win.
Saturday's 2-1 result will please the Saints in more ways than one. Firstly, they know they have a real defensive gem on their hands in Welington.
Agreed, Ipswich Town are a bottom table team like Southampton themselves. Yet, the 23-year-old's smooth transitioning between defence and attack instills confidence that he can be Kyle Walker-Peters' successor in the long run.
Secondly, because the relegation battle is wide open, now. There is enough to play for Southampton, and a few good results could see the Saints leapfrog above the relegation zone.