It wasn’t that long ago when Sofiane Boufal was as far away from the Southampton first-team as possible, yet things can change on a dime in football.
The Moroccan international has reclaimed a spot in Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side after a year out on loan at Celta Vigo that has seen the winger’s attitude improve dramatically, with Boufal featuring in all but one game for Southampton this season as well as registering one assist as stats from Transfermarkt show.
Indeed, his return to the first-team has had a positive impact on the Saints this season, with defender Jan Bednarek praising the attacker via St. Mary’s Musings, and it seemingly appears that Boufal’s time in the starting XI is set to continue with the news that Nathan Redmond is not yet fit enough to return to the matchday squad as confirmed by the club’s official website.
Although the absence of the former Norwich City winger is a blow for Southampton heading into their weekend tie against Sheffield United, Redmond missing out on the sidelines allows Boufal to continue his impressive form this season after his start against Manchester United before the international break.
With the 25-year-old winger versatile enough to play in most attacking areas of the pitch as positional numbers from Transfermarkt show, Boufal can become a real asset for the Saints this seasons whenever a key attacking player is ruled out through injury.
We have seen this season that the former Lille star is eager to impress in the Premier League after a disappointing first two seasons with the south coast side that saw the attacker’s career with the Saints seemingly in tatters before heading out on loan to Celta, and after already notching up an assist this campaign, it seemingly appears that Boufal is ready to prove doubters and sceptical supporters wrong this year.
