The power of a player who can come off the bench and create plenty of chances in a short window of time is one that managers crave greatly, yet Southampton supporters aren’t sure whether to place Sofiane Boufal in this category or not.
Anybody else think that Boufal, as fantastic as he has been, is more of an ‘impact sub’ than a starter? There’s no shame in that of course, it’s a really important role. Just seems to liven games up when introduced. Good to have when opposition defenders are tiring? #saintsfc
— The Archers Road End (@ArchersRoadEnd) December 3, 2019
The former Lille attacker changed the game for Southampton in their 2-1 win against Watford last weekend, with the tricky Moroccan managing a shot and one key pass in his 31-minute cameo for the Saints as stats from Understat show.
Does Boufal warrant a place in the starting XI?
Yes, he's a great attacking outlet
No, we have better options in the squad
Boufal has emerged as an influential attacking vice for Southampton this season, yet Twitter user The Archers Road brought up the discussion that the 26-year-old attacker might be better used as an impact sub off the bench, with the winger’s influence as a sub against Watford key in the Saints claiming their first win in over two months.
Here’s what some Southampton fans had to say on the debate on whether or not Sofiane Boufal is an ‘impact sub’ on Twitter…
Yes, but i imagine he’ll want more than that. And three games in a week, tomorrow’s a great time to give him a start
— Joe Ⓥ (@floppy_donkeys) December 3, 2019
I’d like to see a few consistant starts from him before making my judgement on whether he’s served better as an impact sub or a certified starter
— Benny the Bearded Wonder (@BenneseeWhiskey) December 4, 2019
Wouod agree if weren’t so bad without him. It would be a luxury to be able to keep him on the bench but we don’t have the squad for it.
— Michael Hopkins (@mhopkins86) December 3, 2019
Yes I do think that way but I wouldn’t mind giving him a start if that is going to help Redmond realise that he has to improve. Redmond would offer same from the bench.
— Tanmay (@foreversaint__) December 3, 2019
He seems to have become consistent enough to start.
imo Redmond is better as an impact sub – when he starts too many teams have figured out his only mo…cut inside & shoot.
Boufal is more creative, disruptive & dangerous & both him and Djenepo get round the back— Richard (@ginquaffer) December 3, 2019
Boufal is a doubt for tonight’s game against Norwich City as confirmed by Southampton’s official website.
