Claude Puel praised the debut of Manolo Gabbiadini, despite the 3-1 defeat to West Ham in the Premier League.
Gabbiadini introduced himself to the Southampton faithful with a superb angled strike after 12 minutes.
And Puel says he can prove to be an important player during the rest of the season.
“It’s a pity we lost this game when you saw this fantastic goal. I’m satisfied and I enjoyed his game because he’s a strong player with quality,” Puel reflected.
“He can give solution between the lines and behind the lines also. On the crosses he is always available.
“It’s a very good player to play to find him between the lines but to score and give assists for the future.”
Sofiane Boufal went off injured in the second-half to be replaced by Shane Long, but Puel says they are still awaiting news on its severity.
Puel said: “I don’t know for the moment. We will see this tomorrow but I hope it’s not a bad injury because he’s a talented player who can give a good solution and he had a good relationship with Gabbiadini.”
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