---
title: "How influential could Mario Lemina be for Saints?"
canonical: "https://readsouthampton.com/2017/09/19/influential-mario-lemina-saints/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Rob Sills"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2017-09-19T17:12:19Z"
modified: "2017-09-19T17:12:19Z"
---

# How influential could Mario Lemina be for Saints?

Record signing Mario Lemina has hit the ground running at Southampton since his potentially club-record move from Juventus, much to the delight of Saints fans.

The holding midfielder put in a Man of the Match performance against Crystal Palace on Saturday, as an early Steven Davis goal gave Mauricio Pellegrino’s men a much needed victory.

Saints looked like a totally different side at Selhurst Park than the team that lost 2-0 at home to Watford only ten days ago, as they oozed with confidence both in defence and attack.

With the South Coast club facing a difficult test against Manchester United on Saturday, how influential could Mario Lemina be for Saints?

The 24-year-old certainly pulled the strings against Palace, and has had the desired impact on the team. Lemina, in what was his third appearance for Saints, successfully completed 90% of his passes, and had an average pass length of 18 metres. He has shown he is assured at controlling a match, demonstrating his excellent work rate alongside this.

![Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.cohttps//media.readsouthampton.com/readsouthampton/2017/09/835535730-1.jpg)

The Gabon international also proved that he is accomplished going forwards and backwards, as he completed all three of his attempted take-ons on the attack, whilst making seven defensive actions. These were three clearances, three interceptions and one block.

Southampton will be very encouraged by their new man’s early performances, with a potential partnership with Oriol Romeu at the heart of the Saints midfield a mouth-watering prospect for supporters.

Lemina has shown every sign of being a complete midfielder, with Saints looking to have signed a very talented player.