The club record signing is in the squad for the match at Inter and could make his long-awaited Saints bow.
Sofiane Boufal in action for Lille
Southampton’s biggest statement in the summer transfer market was bringing Moroccan international Sofiane Boufal to St Mary’s, but the midfielder’s debut has so far been delayed by injuries.
This week, however, the 23-year-old is in the Saints matchday squad for the first time as they prepare to face Inter Milan in the San Siro, which could mean a debut for the former Lille man.
Here are five facts about Boufal ahead of his expected Southampton bow.
1) He came through the ranks at Angers
Having been born and raised in Paris as one of 11 siblings, Boufal joined Ligue 2 side Angers in 2010 and made his debut for the club’s first team aged 18 after representing the academy and reserve sides.
Sofiane Boufal
2014/15 was his breakthrough season, as he scored four goals and put in some sparkling displays during the first half of Angers’ promotion-winning campaign before being sold to Lille in January.
2) His progress as a youngster was delayed by height issues
Boufal very nearly did not make it as a professional footballer for the simple reason that he was too small.
Aged 17 – just two years before signing his first contract with Angers – he measured just 4ft 9in tall, but fortunately managed to grow enough to have an impact for the French side and beyond.
3) Comparisons have been made with Eden Hazard
The Chelsea star excelled at Lille and was integral in their first league title success for 57 years back in 2010/11.
Boufal was one of several exciting wingers – including Dimitri Payet – who were charged with living up to the Belgian’s standards, and Rio Mavuba is quoted by FourFourTwo as saying that “he reminds me of Eden when he was playing here. It is striking, he likes the ball, even if he plays too much sometimes. But he is young, you have to let him grow.”
Lille’s Eden Hazard (R) celebrates with team mates after scoring a goal during their French Ligue 1 soccer match
4) Last season was his most prolific yet
The 2015/16 campaign saw Boufal hit double figures for the first time, and the Moroccan ended up with 12 goals in all competitions.
This impressive tally included a vital winner against Lyon and a marvellous hat-trick away at Ajaccio, with Boufal’s goals key to helping Lille to a fifth placed finish and Europa League qualification.
5) He replaced Virgil van Dijk as Southampton’s record signing
Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk heads clear
Upon Boufal’s move to St Mary’s, The Guardian reported that the undisclosed fee could rise to £21.4m, making the Moroccan comfortably Southampton’s most expensive ever player.
Will he be worth the money? Tune in to the Saints game tonight to see how Boufal fares on his eagerly anticipated debut for his new side.
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