Adapting to a new league is never easy for any footballer, especially during the January transfer period. But Southampton striker Manolo Gabbiadini is making the difficult process look like a simple task. The Italian international has scored four goals in three Premier League matches, and added two more in the Saints’ 3-2 EFL Cup final loss to Manchester United.
Manolo Gabbiadini’s Sensational Start to Life in the Premier League
This past weekend, Gabbiadini scored Southampton’s third goal in a thrilling 4-3 victory at Watford. Vicarage Road saw tremendous excitement as both sides brought their attacking best on Saturday.
With the match level at 2-2, the 25-year-old displayed excellent positioning and sharp instincts in finding a crucial tally.
A product of Atalanta’s academy, Gabbiadini developed his professional game at various Serie A sides before arriving at Napoli two years ago. An efficient combination of pace, technical ability and intelligence made his time in Naples quite successful. Gabbiadini scored 25 goals across all competitions in a little over two years at the Stadio San Paolo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=445nXqPTlJA
He now brings those exact same elements to the St. Mary’s Stadium, where Southampton manager Claude Puel has seen many positive effects since Gabbiadini’s arrival.
Instant impact, tactical modifications and versatility
Manolo Gabbiadini’s ability to create space and fight for every inch can bring about success, and a wonderful example was his work in the EFL Cup final at Wembley Stadium. After going down two goals against Manchester United, the Italian’s two strikes were both the result of smart movement and fantastic timing.
His first came after an excellent cross into the penalty area, while the second showcased effort and desire to send an equaliser past David de Gea early in the second half.
Gabbiadini’s style of play brings Claude Puel’s side a dimension that they were previously lacking.
Southampton have prided themselves on being a disciplined squad defensively, expecting solid work in the midfield. Oriol Romeu and Steven Davis can control possession and cover space in front of the back-line, while centre-back Virgil van Dijk and goalkeeper Fraser Forster bring immense talent to their positions.
Now with such a lethal attacker at the top of the line-up, these players have enjoyed even more efficiency in what they do. Able to drop back into the midfield as well, Gabbiadini’s versatility is a major positive.
Scoring threat
Manolo Gabbiadini’s fast reputation that he has built will even open up space for others within the squad higher up the pitch, and that aspect directly led to team-mate Nathan Redmond enjoying a superb performance Saturday at Watford.
With Watford’s defence understandably focusing on Gabbiadini in the attack, Redmond was able to score two goals thanks in part to the striker’s efforts. Southampton can utilise Redmond’s pace out wide to stretch the opposition and provide service to the Italian forward himself.
Gabbiadini’s work at the top of the Saints’ formation can help in more ways than one.
A bright future
In the current term for Southampton, Saturday’s fixture brought three important points to start the final weeks of the Premier League season.
The club’s memorable campaign in the EFL Cup took a toll on their league form. But the victory over Watford now has the Saints tenth in the table, 11 points clear of the relegation places. Gabbiadini’s arrival has improved the attack and the overall team performance.
Having signed a four-and-a-half-year contract when his transfer was completed, Manolo Gabbiadini could be the exact striker that Southampton and manager Claude Puel were looking for to drive the club towards future success.
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