Hughes feels Gabbiadini works best on the left
Southampton manager Mark Hughes believes that Manolo Gabbiadini is best utilised on the left-hand side.
The Italy international has regularly played as a striker since his move from Napoli to Southampton in January last year, overseeing mixed success as a lone forward.
However, in Saints’ recent outing against Watford, Hughes opted to deploy Gabbiadini on the wing and in a slightly deeper role.
The Welshman’s decision paid dividends, as Gabbiadini threatened throughout the match and netted his side’s only goal as Southampton were held to a 1-1 draw by the Hornets.
Speaking to the Daily Echo after the match, Hughes delivered his verdict on Gabbiadini’s performance and indicated that he feels his best position is on the left wing of the attack. The Saints boss said:
Gabbiadini on the left-hand side, notwithstanding the goal he got, was outstanding. I think he’s a good option there and that’s his best position being able to come late into the box and at a different angle and pace.
He will always have that goalscoring instinct he has retained. I was pleased with his performance as I was with the majority of guys.
The strike against Watford was Gabbiadini’s first of the season and he will be hoping to retain his place for Southampton’s next Premier League fixture against Fulham after the international break.