Southampton manager Claude Puel revealed that he believes new club-record acquisition Sofiane Boufal can "make the difference" for the Saints, in a recent interview with the club assessing their business in the transfer window.
Although Puel's side have failed to hit the ground running in the opening weeks of the season on the pitch, the signing of the Moroccan from French side Lille has raised the morale of many at St Mary's, including that of the manager if this latest interview is anything to go by.
Puel on Boufal
Puel, who himself is still adapting to the Premier League following his appointment at Southampton just before this summer's transfer window opened, was full of praise for the man he has managed to bring in just before it slammed shut.
Attacking-midfielder Boufal was labelled as "powerful" and "an interesting addition", by his new boss, who also sees the 22-year-old as the player to potentially "make the difference" for Southampton this season.
Speaking further about Boufal's style of play, Puel praised his "good dribbling ability", as well being able to "score and give assists."
This will undoubtedly be welcome news for Southampton, as they have lacked creativity and impetus so far this season. However, manager Puel is confident that this will change with the arrival of Boufal.
Puel on the rest of the transfer window
Despite the popular opinion that Southampton have had an unsuccessful transfer window due to the loss of three key players in Victor Wanyama, Sadio Mane and Graziano Pelle, Puel seems satisfied enough with his dealings as a whole.
With five players as well as Boufal being bought over the transfer window, Puel assured that he was content with a "good" summer's work.
Another issue surrounding Southampton currently is the lack of depth in the squad, with the new challenge of playing in the Europa League his season. As a crammed set of fixtures approach, Puel acknowledged that it is "not easy" to cope with the physical and mental demands of both European and domestic football, but insisted his players "must learn".
Despite Southampton's poor start and arguably under par transfer window, Puel maintained that it is an "exciting" time for the club, with an eagerly-anticipated return to European football just around the corner.