The 29-year-old dark-haired Italian striker is certainly proving invaluable under Ronald Koeman’s successful regime at Southampton FC. The ex-Feyenoord star was obviously worshipped by Saints’ new manager, as he followed him from old club to new; Pellè’s arrival at the English side boasted news of 50 goals in 57 games for the Dutch team, and now the man seems to be cruising along a similar path. Although some have queried his kind nature as something not often welcomed or understood in the Premier League, the Italian is already stomping his feet loudly enough. Cut-throat division or not, the Saints forward is clearly glowing upfront. His ease with the ball is promising and his eagerness to be moulded shows a desire to adapt. Both Pellè and Koeman are unfolding as ideal fits.
In the wake of Rickie Lambert’s departure to Liverpool, echoes of despair were certainly heard around St. Mary’s, and for good reason. Hesitance during the summer was blatant, and fans were quite rightly sceptical about both the fresh-faced boss and potential new players. However, amongst other newbies, including Dušan Tadić and Fraser Forster, it was plainly unravelling that Saints were about to find themselves looking rather confident and appealing against Premier League opponents.
Pellè’s outstanding prosperity at Feyenoord was something unrivalled by many; so much so, Koeman was impressed and desperate to bring him to England. Compared to the gluttony of many players and the tyrannical fees paid to entice them over to new teams, the ballpark figure of £8-£9 million was not such a hefty carrot to dangle in front of Pellè, which in itself suggests that the Italian starlet was more than willing to flee with the inspirational Koeman. Their elope to Britain has already paid both men dividends, which must stump the folk of Italy further; in his Serie A days, though brief, Pellè received much criticism surrounding his prowess in the sport and so was loaned to AZ Alkmaar in the Eredivisie. U.S Lecce’s loss was Holland’s gain, as Pellè’s grit and determination drove him further up the league table and into more powerful hands, and has since remained in those particular palms.
The major Lambert-shaped gap left the squad looking somewhat mangled; hopes of ever bettering themselves as a side were appearing slightly dashed, even after such an illustrious and encouraging season. It seems, though, that Pellè’s boots have slotted ever so nicely into the space left by Lambert (who unfortunately fails to make much of a break at Liverpool, especially now another feisty Italian, Mario Balotelli, is dominating). In Match week 3, Saints encountered their first win, which was rather sublime, especially for Morgan Schneiderlin. The game against West Ham was Pellè’s first goal scoring moment for his new club, slicing one into the back of the net in the 83rd minute, securing their victory. The weekend gone by also demonstrated how accomplished he is and his overall growth at the club is strong; Pellè’s two hammering goals aided the thundering 4-0 win against Alan Pardew’s flailing Newcastle.
Three goals in just four games hints that the Italian could be up to his usual tricks, and thus far, it’s not a bad warm-up at all. Who knows what else he’ll bring to the table? This is really just the start for Pellè, and it was understandable that the first couple of games would be chance for the striker to officially bed in with the pace of the league. He has shown that he aims to create assists and accurately pass the ball back and forth accordingly, to truly help Saints thrive. Not only has Pellè conveyed a deft range of goal scoring ability, with one from his left foot, one from his right, and one also from his head, but he has put on a real show for fans with Tadić. Their comradeship is dazzling and they really fuel each other whilst on the pitch. The midfield-to-attack ratio between the two is the ultimate aim in football, and Saints are clearly privileged to have such an inventive pair mixing so gladly with one another. Their knack to feed off each other is a sure fire way to bag more goals for Koeman’s side.
One further admirable quality possessed by Pellè is his active awareness to remain professional and do what he’s on the pitch to; his job role is to score, so he openly feels it’s simply not good enough to fail in this department. His work ethics and values are humble, yet so vital in football, which has very much become a sport for the pretentious and overrated. This is definitely a generalisation, but Pellè’s hunger to achieve what his contract needs him to is something every business needs, and this mentality is exactly what will push Saints forward.
Graziano Pellè is a man of dignity and aspirations; a true force to behold (not to mention he’ll bolster the Fantasy Football points).
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