Absolutely this (the first bit anyway). Great player to watch, and we all love to be entertained. But he is selfish, he doesn't look up, and he doesn't bring anywhere near enough to the team. Hope we keep him though. He has the potential to be a great impact player coming off the bench for a team that's performing well; but I doubt he'd be happy with that.
Firmly agree, and would go further in that he has the potential to do for us what Mahrez does for Leicester if he can just think about playing other people in rather than taking on three defenders at once. The southampton way doesnt seem to cater to individual talent through. Boufal and Gabbi for me are two of the best players we have ever signed but we dont seem to be able to play to their abilities in a way that gets the best out of them. Could be a mentality thing, could be a tactical approach thing but they may both move on without ever showing much more than flashes of brilliance. And I will be sad about that.
What he needs is a good manager. Sadly it looks like his time with us is done without the best use of his abilities being unlocked. That’s partly down to him and partly down to coach/Manager.
Indeed, a good combo would do wonders. I'm thinking jab, jab, left and a swift knee to the nuts likely for Boufal.
It was 5 out of those 7. For the record A player with that talent is often interested in the fancy stuff and can do it too much, very much like the young Cristiano. The best thing that happens to him was Fergie. As I said above, partly down to Boufal, but also partly down to coaching. The right coach is what he needs.
Agreed. One of the things we've seen in recent years, now that the bottom half of the table can afford such: putting a free-wheeling flair player in a squad that doesn't share their attitude and aptitude results in everyone being rather unhappy. If you're going to sign them, it has to be with the intent of playing in a fashion that leans into free-wheeling flair (Leicester, the Michu-era Swans).
I will stand against the tide, I will be happy to wave goodbye to him Loads of talent and potential but other than a couple of miracle goals he has delivered very little More importantly he irratates the living day lights out of me with his decision making and if he is causing issues behind the scenes then move him on if we can find a club who are prepared to take him for a suitable fee
DL, do you think a coach should be trying to help him by coaching the bad things out and working in decision making? I suspect the issues are born out of frustration, although that doesn’t condone them.
I echo what you are saying...........Every time he comes on, to me it looks like he is trying too hard, especially to prove himself!! He has the talent, of that in my opinion there is no doubt. He needs proper guidance when he gets that he will be a star for which ever team he is playing for..........
I think one of the good things about giving Hughes a contract only until the end of the season is that it gives an opportunity to reboot his relationship with players who have fallen out of favour - indeed he apologised in advance that he would upset some of them, given the time constraints. If he stays on he can wipe the slate clean and re-evaluate what players like Boufal and Carillo bring to the team.
Mark Hughes was an exceptional player in his pomp. Forget that sad shadow of a player following his Man Utd days. People comment on how tough he was, but he had flair and could produce wonder goals from nothing. If any manager could be a role model on how to work hard, be a team player and yet not lose that creative edge it is Hughes. I really hope that Boufal has the wit to realise that this is the guy who could make him a better player. Trouble is, agents look for a quick buck and an easy ride. If he drifts from club to club with his alleged attitude he'll waste his considerable talent.
