End of Season Player Review: Graziano Pelle

One of Saints most frustrating players when he's off his game. His flicks, his carelessness, and low work-rate tend to anger and frustrate fans and the coaching staff. On his game though, my goodness, he is exceptional. Can win most balls in the air, he's got a good strike on him, and is a clever passer when holding up play.

Don't get me wrong, I love Graziano, but man he can be very frustrating. Nonetheless, he is a brilliant player when he is on his game, so that's where I'll focus because I was overall very pleased with him this season. In 40 games, he scored 15 times. One of those was a big one against Liverpool in that memorable 3-2 comeback victory.

He also had six assists. I am often impressed with his center forward play, and him being able to hold up the ball and facilitate it out wide to a Mane or Long or Tadic, and then he works his way into the box to hopefully get a head on it. One thing that impresses me too is that even if his work-rate, passing, or other things aren't on, he has some magic shots, and that is what you need from a forward.

He is a bit underrated in the sense that many Saints fans believe that we are better off without him, if we keep Long. We may not be completely hurting without him, but overall, Pelle is very important, and I hope he stays with Southampton.

SMM FINAL GRADE: 7/10

SMM Summary: Great season once again. Went through a rough patch through the middle of the year like most of the team, and we saw only getting better with the arrival of Charlie Austin. We hope he stays with Saints, because he is a good striker, but won't worry if he departs. Overall, another quality season from the Italian who continues to score.