Player Spotlight: Mario Lemina - Southampton boss unhappy with the Gabonese’s impact?

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Tuesday Dec 19, 2017. 16:00

The box-to-box midfielder has fallen down the pecking order at English Premier League outfit Southampton in recent weeks.

Lemina, 24, came on as a substitute as the Saints suffered a 1-0 defeat to the defending league champions Chelsea away last weekend.

Oriol Romeu and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg have been preferred ahead of the Gabon international in central midfield by Southampton manager Manuel Pellegrini.

The latest reports have indicated that the club is now looking to sign another central midfielder. The Saints are reportedly keen to sign Eibar captain Dani Garcia according to the Mirror.

“Saints' current boss Manuel Pellegrini has previous with the Spaniard, as his old side Deportivo Alaves went up against Eibar in two goalless games last term.

“Southampton fans are somewhat bemused by the pursuit of the player, as their side currently have a whole host of options to choose from in Garcia's position.

“Oriol Romeu and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg occupy the defensive midfield, whilst James Ward-Prowse, Jake Hesketh and summer signing Mario Lemina compete to start as box-to-box midfielders,” a statement read on Sports Illustration.

Lemina, who joined Southampton from Italian giants Juventus last August, has made made nine starts and three substitute appearances for the Saints this season.