A number of Southampton supporters have jumped to the defence of Moussa Djenepo after he came under fire for some of his recent performances.
The winger was taken off at half-time against Brighton by Ralph Hasenhuttl after he endured a frustrating first half, losing the ball on 10 occasions and only recording a 60% passing accuracy (Sofascore). The 22-year-old was also struggling defensively and was on a yellow card, so the decision was therefore made to bring on Danny Ings in his place.
That came after he had received some criticism for his performance against Manchester United the previous week, but Djenepo had been enjoying a reasonable start to the season before then. The 22-year-old has completed 1.9 successful dribbles and averaged two tackles a game so far this term in his eight Premier League appearances (Sofascore). However, he needs to work on his consistency in order to truly fulfil his potential.
The Saints have a good record in improving players with similar skillsets and ability, with Sadio Mane being an obvious example; and considering the winger is only 22, there is every chance that under Hasenhuttl he could develop his game and become a key performer for the Saints.
Southampton fans stick up for Moussa Djenepo
Many Saints fans were keen to point out that the “amazing” 22-year-old is still adjusting to the Premier League and that he has shown flashes of his raw talent.. Some fans already believe he will become an excellent player for them, with a couple comparing him with how Mane was when he first arrived at St Mary’s.
He was rubbish yesterday but you have to realise this guy is amazing, mane was similar at his age you gotta give him a chance https://t.co/I6UwJkmrMR
— yoshida (@Toby_SFC) December 8, 2020
https://twitter.com/DavidPalman/status/1336400792060891140?s=19
Yesterday wasn't his best performance but we all know what he's capable of, he's still very young so give him time and he'll become consistently great player for us https://t.co/4wk18wrAKl
— Rhys (@Rhys0406) December 8, 2020
Sadio Mane wasn’t great for us at first. He’s young, he’s raw, he’s a bit Bambi like on occasions, but he has shown what ability he has. He will get better.
— Rich Harper (@StThrobber) December 8, 2020
He has got so much talent, just needs another season of coaching from Ralph and could become a proper player. Let’s not forget Mane in the early days of his Saints career.
— Rob Barber (@robbarber1) December 8, 2020
https://twitter.com/SFCHarvey/status/1336411812653375488?s=19
Agreed completely. And most of our wingers have been completely out of form. Djenepo is still very young and is very good
— Cal ❕ (@Cal_SFC) December 8, 2020
