The Southampton youngster had an inviting opportunity to score on his debut.
Southampton are in a very difficult situation at present as they are languishing in 18th place in the Premier League amidst speculation over the future of manager Mauricio Pellegrino.
Yesterday, however, Southampton managed to secure a point at home to Tottenham Hotspur in a hard-fought 1-1 draw and they could have won the game had substitute Michael Obafemi, making his professional debut, not squandered an inviting opportunity to find the net.
Obafemi, perhaps a little too eager to impress, couldn’t quite make contact with the ball and the opportunity passed him by, but the 17-year-old is a very exciting prospect who deserves further opportunities for Southampton.
Possessing pace and power in abundance, Obafemi has scored nine goals in eleven appearances for Southampton at U18 level this season and made his senior debut despite having only featured occasionally for the club’s U23 side.
With Charlie Austin injured, Manolo Gabbiadini lacking conviction in front of goal, while Shane Long is currently out with illness, Pellegrino saw fit to call upon Obafemi yesterday and the youngster almost seized his opportunity.
Obafemi will hope to get further game time in the coming weeks and he could prove to be an unlikely hero as Southampton look to avoid relegation.
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