Jannik Vestergaard is reluctant to draw comparisons between new teammate Moussa Djenepo and former Southampton winger Sadio Mane.
The Denmark international was asked about the £14 million summer signing following Saints’ 2-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday but was hesitant to discuss their similarities.
Djenepo has played only twice for Southampton in competitive fixtures but has already endeared himself to the club’s supporters. He scored a thumping goal against Brighton and has caught the eye of many with some dynamic, direct displays.
As quoted by The Telegraph, Vestergaard spoke about the early comparisons between Djenepo and Mane, who joined Liverpool from Southampton for £34 million in 2016.
He said:
I’ll let you do those comparisons – you seem to love those, but I’m happy with what he brings to our team.
If he can come in and be anywhere close to Sadio Mane, that’s the one for us.
Read Southampton’s verdict
Vestergaard is probably right to let the public do the talking about Djenepo at this stage. After all, he is just 21-years-old and has only just got his feet under the table at Southampton.
Naturally, there would be comparisons between the Malian winger and Mane. Both are direct, speedy attackers who have been plucked from divisions of lower prestige in Europe by Southampton, with the view of turning into superstars on the Premier League stage.
We’re right to get excited about Djenepo; after all, we saw just what he is capable of on Saturday at Brighton.
However, as with all young players, he will need time to adjust, and patience will be absolutely necessary if he is to thrive at the club. Let’s not put too much pressure on him too soon.
