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MAURICIO Pellegrino will be well in the process of shaping his Saints team now - and one of the main areas of curiosity is how the Argentine will utilise Manolo Gabbiadini.
With top-scorer Charlie Austin out injured for much of last term and Shane Long and Jay Rodriguez struggling for goals, predecessor Claude Puel used the Italy international as an out-and-out striker after his £14.6m arrival from Napoli in January.
The 25-year-old’s sharp eye for a run and precision finishing saw him net six goals in his opening four Saints appearances.
Although his scoring streak ran dry after a groin injury, Gabbiadini has demonstrated his eye for goal in Saints’ pre-season training camp in Austria.
But, with last term’s nine-goal top-scorer Austin back fit after a dislocated shoulder, Pellegrino could see it fit to either partner him with Gabbiadini or post the Italian in a different role.
While playing in Serie A, the former Sampdoria man was highly effective as an attacking midfielder, anywhere across the front three.
With pace and strength, along with quality close control, Pellegrino might consider letting Gabbiadini loose in behind Austin, providing a service to the 28-year-old frontman, who is a real dangerman in the box.
If Pellegrino were to set-up Saints in the club’s favoured 4-2-3-1 formation, Gabbiadini could operate next Dusan Tadic, James Ward-Prowse or Nathan Redmond in that area, making for a potentially potent attacking line-up.
Although, the St Mary’s chief, is known for his tactical flexibility and could well see potential in stationing Gabbiadini next to Austin up top, or with Long or Sam Gallagher.
An insight in to Pellegrino’s formation plans will be gained today when Saints take on St Gallen in their first pre-season friendly.
With a very youthful 28-man squad at his disposal, it is unlikely too much impetus will be place on the game’s result, although it’ll certainly be a chance to get a sneak peak of what Pellegrino’s planning.
The attacking areas are certainly a big point of interest for Saints supporters, after Puel’s team last season produced just 17 home goals in 19 Premier League games.
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