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As usual, the summer transfer window saw comings and goings through the St. Mary's stadium. One of those who departed early on was Rickie Lambert who joined his boyhood club Liverpool, the striker was a key performer in Southampton's return to the Premier League and scored 28 goals in his first two seasons in Premier League. To replace the void left by Lambert's departure, new manager Ronald Koeman turned to his former club and brought his former charge in Graziano Pellè.
The Italian striker was signed for a fee of £8.8m from Feyenoord, where he spent two productive years at De Kuip. Pellè though, was not known as a penalty box predator, at least not until he joined Feyenoord. Since making his debut with Lecce in Serie A back in January 2004, he only managed a total of 38 goals in 200 appearances with Lecce, Catania, Crotone, Cesena, AZ Alkmaar, Parma, and Sampdoria. But during his two seasons with Feyenoord, Pellè turned into a menace for the opposition's defense as he scored 55 goals in 66 appearances, which amounts to a goalscoring ratio of 0.83 goals per game.
So far, the Italian has adapted well to live in England, with three goals in four games. Two of those came against Newcastle United in the 4-0 win at St. Mary's. His performances early on has been very encouraging, other than the three goals he has scored, he also look to set up others in Saints' buildup play in attack having created five chances as well as providing the assist for Victor Wanyama's winner against Swansea last Saturday. He also managed to hold his own against the more physical play of Premier League, winning almost half of his aerial duels, being tall sure has its own advantage (he's 6'4'').
There has been several prolific strikers from Holland who underwhelmed once they made the move to the Premier League. If he can carry on with this early season form, Pellè has the chance to distinguished himself and be St. Mary's faithful new hero.