Overall, Sofiane Boufal has been an immense disappointment during his time in the Premier League. The incredible ease in which the Moroccan winger ghosts past defenders highlights his obvious natural ability, but it has only been demonstrated in fits and spurts during his time at Southampton and the former Lille star is nowhere near living up to the comparisons with Eden Hazard that accompanied him upon arriving at St. Mary’s in summer 2016.

Yet, glimmers of Boufal’s technical quality are never far from breaking to the surface and there were a fair few on Sunday as Saints encountered Wigan in a tricky FA Cup quarter-final. Although it took Southampton until after half time to truly get going in the match and although the Latics aren’t the most formidable opposition on paper, Boufal was one of his side’s more effective players before being subbed off in the 64th minute, ranking first for dribbles, second for chances created and third for attempts at goal throughout the Saints team.

Of course, it could be a typical case of a player on the outskirts of the starting XI improving his form to try and impress his new manager, with Mark Hughes appointed as Mauricio Pellegrino’s successor during the week. But there is a more optimistic perspective to take here, considering the positive impact the Welshman had on Marko Arnautovic and Xherdan Shaqiri’s careers at Stoke – transforming them from inconsistent players of undoubted talent into indispensible members of his team.

Boufal – who Transfermarkt value at £13.5million – falls into that category of frustratingly mercurial attacking player as well, and if Hughes can bring the best out of him during a difficult run-in that will decide Southampton’s top flight status, the 24-year-old could emerge as a key influence in the south coast outfit’s bid for survival.

[ad_pod ]