Ronald Koeman has tipped new signing Jordy Clasie to shine in the Premier League next season and believes he’s the perfect replacement for Morgan Schneiderlin.
Clasie made his Saints debut against FC Groningen this week in a 3-0 win for Saints – and the Dutch boss hailed his compatriot after the first win of pre-season.
“He’s a perfect replacement for Morgan in that position,” said Koeman when talking to Sky Sports.
“I know that because I worked for three seasons with Jordi. Of course, he’s still not Schneiderlin – but he’s still young, he has to develop, he has to adapt to the Premier League, the intensity is what you need. It’s a great signing.”
Both Erwin and Ronald Koeman were returning to their former home, where they both started their journeys in football – the club have a stand named in tribute to the Koeman family at the Euroborg.
Off the pitch, there was plenty of room for nostalgia, but all sentiment was left on the side-lines as Saints went about their business robustly with goals from Jose Fonte, Sadio Mane and Graziano Pelle contributing to a routine win.
The third of Southampton’s goals was of particular note, another returning star, Dusan Tadic weaved In and out of the Groningen midfield with a stunning roulette turn and reverse pass to Pelle, who finished comfortably.
The wistfulness continues this week too, as Saints face yet another of Koeman’s former employers, Feyenoord, in a home sell-out as Koeman returns to De Kuip this Thursday.
