Southampton will be looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the Premier League season when they play hosts to Watford at St Mary’s on Saturday.
Even though Saints are yet to taste defeat in their opening three fixtures they have won just once – a last-gasp winner against 10-man West Ham United – with the other two matches ending in goalless draws.
Mauricio Pellegrino’s men certainly lacked that ruthlessness in front of goal as they picked up single points against Swansea City and Huddersfield Town, and the Argentine manager may feel that he needs to make a change to his attack for the visit of the Hornets, especially seeing as this failure to find the net has carried on from the end of last season.
Despite some impressive performances during pre-season, Sofiane Boufal is yet to start for the club in the top flight so far this term, but he could easily prove to be the difference to help the south coast outfit avoid another draw this weekend.
Here are three reasons Boufal, who Transfermarkt value at £13.5million, must start against Watford if his side are to take all three points…
Midfield struggles
Right now the likes of Dusan Tadic, Nathan Redmond and Steven Davis aren’t doing enough for the side from an attacking point of view, and of the trio only Redmond has the ability to cause defenders problems by using his pace.
In that respect, Boufal deserves the chance to show his creativity and make a big impact – either in the number 10 position or out wide – otherwise Southampton could once again draw a blank against a side they know they should be beating if they are to progress and challenge for a European spot this season.
While there may be concerns that he won’t do his job defensively, he has already shown in his brief outings this season that he is willing to drop deep and win the ball back when needed.
He’s unpredictable
While he perhaps hasn’t made the impression he would have liked to since joining Southampton from Lille last summer, Boufal has certainly shown glimpses that he is capable of the unpredictable and it is just what Saints need right now.
His stunning long-range goals against Sunderland and Middlesbrough last season were spectacular, while he showed his dribbling ability by taking on a number of defenders before dinking an effort wide of the goal during the pre-season fixture against Brentford in July.
He will commit defenders
Southampton have found it particularly difficult to make a breakthrough when they have been faced with a number of defenders behind the ball so far this season, and sometimes you need someone like Boufal in the tiny pockets of space that are available.
The Moroccan can commit defenders and twist and turn with the ability he has on the ball, and that could easily free up more space for the likes of Manolo Gabbiadini – or even win the team penalties and free-kicks in dangerous areas – which can prove to be the difference between picking up one point or all three.
Do you agree, Saints fans? Let us know below.
