Sofiane Boufal, MID, Southampton

Can the Paris-born Moroccan Boufal replicate the success of former Saint Sadio Mané (96% owned)? Those are big boots to fill, but Boufal was likely made Southampton’s record signing to try and do just that. And if any team is capable of reloading year upon year, Southampton have the most practice of successfully doing so.

At a price of £16M, Boufal arrived from Lille in Summer 2016 having scored 12 goals during the previous campaign, but he endured an injury blighted start to his first season at St. Mary’s. With a new manager and a humbling introduction to the league last season, this year must be Boufal’s opportunity to prove his cost. After all, he is only just 23 years old, but Saints will need him to grow up, and quick.
There were only a few, sporadic moments of quality last year. Boufal scored just one league goal against Middlesboro in 20 appearances, but at least it was a highlight-reel shot from outside the 18-yard box. In any case, Boufal has reportedly put in extra fitness sessions with the hopes of having manager Mauricio Pellegrino make him a regular in the starting XI.

The Southampton attacking midfield of Nathan Redmond (30%), Dušan Tadić (33%), and James Ward-Prowse (6%) is talented, but also largely frustrating for Fantasy Managers that they can seem to create so many chances while often lacking a final, killer instinct. Oriol Romeu (7%) is the standout customised scoring option, but Boufal could be the pick of the litter in standard scoring if he wins a place and starts finishing the opportunities they will provide. Frankly, the midfield will have to become a bit less crowded for any of the above to become top-tier fantasy starters.

With the depth of Manolo Gabbiadini (27%), Charlie Austin (24%), and to a lesser degree, Shane Long (3%) vying for minutes at the striker position, the time is now for Boufal to find his way in EPL and lock down a spot on the wing or just behind the front line. At just 22% owned, expect Boufal to be available in many 10-team leagues. He’s one I’m monitoring closely now, and would consider as a low-risk/high-potential waiver gamble if I need a new fifth midfielder in the early weeks in standard scoring leagues.