Scout Reports

Scout Report – Mario Lemina

Southampton completed their second major summer signing with the capture of Juventus midfielder Mario Lemina for a reported club transfer record fee of £16 million, with a further £2 million in add-ons.

Having put pen to paper on a five-year contract with the Saints, the 23-year-old cited the club’s new manager Mauricio Pellegrino as a key factor in his decision:

“I really want to work with him. He got in touch with me, we spoke together about his project, and he showed a lot of enthusiasm. I am really happy to be a part of his squad and to share his project with him. I think that I can bring to this squad, whether it be offensively or defensively, my power and ability to defend and get things moving forward.”

The History

Lemina joined French side Lorient at the age of 11 and progressed all the way to the first-team, with his professional debut arriving in January 2013.

He made 10 league appearances during the 2012/13 season before securing a €4 million move to Marseille in the summer of 2013.

The midfielder struggled during his first season with Marseille, making only 18 league appearances, before featuring more prominently in 2014/15, scoring two goals in 23 matches.

In the summer of 2015, Lemina joined Juventus, initially on a season-long loan. He made 10 league appearances, scoring twice, playing predominantly as a defensive midfielder.

The move was made permanent last summer, with the Italian giants paying €9.5 million for the Gabon international.

He again found first-team opportunities hard to come by, though, making 19 league appearances but just eight starts, which yielded one goal and an assist.

Capped by France at U20 and U21 levels, Lemina decided to represent the country of his birth, Gabon, at senior level.

Lemina scored on his debut against Tunisia in October 2015, one of eight appearances he has made for his country.

The Prospects

While Lemina is a versatile player, having featured as a winger, full-back, wing-back and even as part of a three-man defence, it’s likely that he’ll be used as a box-to-box midfielder by Southampton.

The new boy is a physical presence who can thrive in the middle of the park, and is a strong ball-winner – he completed 71% of his attempted tackles last season, bettering even Saints’ Oriol Romeu (67%).

Lemina also boasts good stamina and is able to break forward at pace with the ball at his feet.

He can keep things ticking over with both short and long passes and looks the ideal partner for the hard-working Romeu in Pellegrino’s favoured 4-2-3-1 formation.

The Gabon international does have a reputation for being a bit of a hot head, though, with his limited pitch-time in recent seasons perhaps not accurately depicting his tendency to draw reaction from match officials.

Ultimately, five goals over the course of his career indicate that Lemina is unlikely to offer much of an attacking threat.

He did average a shot every 52.71 minutes last season, which was better than Steven Davis (85.29) – a player he may replace in the Pellegrino’s first-choice starting XI.

Lemina only managed to produce a key pass every 112 minutes, though, which was inferior to Davis (82.63).

For that reason, it would be a surprise if Lemina forces his way into our thinking when considering Southampton midfielders.

The club-record signing has been priced at 5.0 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) and 8.5 in Sky Sports, with his arrival more significant from a defensive perspective if he and Romeu can form a solid shield in front of the back four.

Saints kept 14 clean sheets last term, while Pellegrino arrives in England with a reputation for being a defence-minded coach – his Alaves side only conceded 43 goals last season, a record only bettered by Barcelona, Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal in La Liga.

After claiming a shutout in the goalless draw with Swansea, Saints defenders are in demand due to their attractive opening fixtures (WHU hud WAT cpl), with their schedule very favourable all the way up to Gameweek 11.

Named as an unused sub in Gameweek 1, Lemina’s lofty transfer fee means that we can expect to see him on the teamsheet soon. While his power and ball-winning ability could profit their clean sheet count, he looks to offer little appeal for FPL managers eyeing up the Southampton midfield.

Instead, James Ward-Prowse (5.5) is only slightly more expensive and has set-piece duties in the locker, while Nathan Redmond and Dusan Tadic (both 6.5) may yet prove viable options in the mid-price bracket if they can find a cutting edge.

Based on Saturday’s showing – a sixth blank from their last seven top-flight matches – that still appears to be out of reach.

Further Reference

Mario Lemina Wikipedia

Mario Lemina Transfer Markt Page

Mario Lemina 2016/17 You Tube Highlights

2,533 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Lady Yaya
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Do I drop one of Mee, Dawson or Stephens to play Atsu at the weekend? Tough one!

    1. DeathoftheParty
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Mee

  2. ★Kuntheman★
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Pep needs to play the damn 4-3-3 again. We're not winning because we switched to three at the back, we're winning because we have wingbacks and a keeper now

    1. Ramboros
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      The formation covers the defensive problems with Stones/Otamendi, Danilo, Silva and KdB. You look ten times more solid in 3-5-2.

      1. ★Kuntheman★
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        I think it's the right formation for games against the likes of Spurs, Madrid, etc...but for lesser opponents it does not have enough attacking threat to break them down

    2. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Agree.

  3. shearer9
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Bottomed:

    I have 0.5 ITB and 1 FT. Do I gamble on a replacement for Zaha or play both Suttner and Carroll and do a 'mini WC' (2FT -4) next week?

    1. WE ARE RANGERS
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Depends who you buy, Zaha could be 6.8 and Willian 7.2 by next week, 0.4 of a difference or you could do the swap right now 🙂

      1. shearer9
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Already have Willian, otherwise it would be an easy decision yeah.

  4. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    At least Milner is nailed for the League Cup 🙂

    1. Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Haha!

    2. el polako
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      And on pens.

      1. Red Dagger ✪
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        No in the League Cup Solanke will take them 😉

  5. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Gundogan loves a burst into the box

    Definitely one to look at when fully fit

    1. ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Makes some great late runs.

    2. Swanremainsthesame
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      impressed last season till his injury
      would take him like a shot if becomes regular starter. (Pep - regular starters - doh)

  6. BlueIncognito
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Is Kane & Cesc --> Morata & Alli/Eriksen too sideways?

    1. DeathoftheParty
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Yep

  7. Garfield1001
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Like many others, looking to ship Zaha.

    Squad as follows with nil ITB:

    Foster Elliott
    Stephens Danilo Mee Dann Long
    Salah KDB Ritchie Zaha Carroll
    Gabbiadini Kane Lukaku

    None of the other £7m and below MIDs attract me really, maybe Willian but not enthused. Mkhi is therefore tempting me at £8m. Would rather take a hit for someone I want then settle for a sub par option.

    Would need to downgrade £1m elsewhere - where to do this?

    Gabbiadini down to Mountie?

    Danilo down to a £4.5m (Lowe)?

    Dann down to Mbemba?

    Opinions appreciated!

    1. Karan14
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Gabbi to Mounie

  8. Xerheart
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Need help on this one..

    Forster
    Jagielka, Daniels, Shindler, Dunk
    Alli, Mata, Knockaert
    Kane, Lukaku (c), King

    Elliot, Mee, Fabregas (ban), Shelvey (ban)

    I have 1M in the bank, no FT. who should i replace for -4 or should i wait for FT and next week's result?

    1. Oven Glover
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      The dirty dozen

      1. Xerheart
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Yeah kinda feel sad.

    2. Oven Glover
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Front three good
      Mata -> Mkhi
      Play Mee

      1. Oven Glover
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Fab -> Mkhi perhaps

        1. Xerheart
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Ayt. Will check on that. At first I had Pedro but didn't make it in time to change him so then my team got messed up.

    3. Marc OverMata
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Get D.silva

      1. Xerheart
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Will consider mate. Thanks.

  9. ★Kuntheman★
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Thought Gundogan injured himself there

    1. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Anything of FPL note happen in the game other than minutes for players?

      1. ★Kuntheman★
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Nope

  10. Where dahoud at
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Shuld i do these transfers???

    Zaha - Mkhitaryan

    Gabbiadini - Jay Rodriguez

    1. Squires FC
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Yea

    2. markmcr
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Gabbi to mounie

    3. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Z to M alone if you can afford.
      If not , then both also good imo

  11. Squires FC
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Play Alderweireld vs chelsea or mee vs west brom?

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Mee

  12. VFORVANDETA
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Don't think B.Silva made the right decision move to M.City.

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Strange statement to make 1 game into the season

      1. I Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Indeed.

      2. Cpt Crunch Scott talent
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        This.

  13. WE GO FOR IT
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Sane or Zaha - Who do I replace? or hold both and use 2 FTs next week?

    1. DeathoftheParty
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Get rid. Mkhi and ramsey? Keep the change?

      Might be better choices than ramsey but I'm sure neither will start.

  14. Syd.
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Pablo Maffeo has been the best City player on the pitch

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Da family agree

    2. ★Kuntheman★
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      This 😆

  15. Marc OverMata
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Need to get fab out!

    Who's a better proposition from Newcastle. I've heard a lot of people upselling Atsu!

    What's the deal and why him over Ritchie?

    Thanks

    1. Albert_Luque
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      He's looked much better than Ritchie over pre-season and the Spurs match, however he's not as nailed as we bought Murphy and now will also be signing Kenedy as well. Ritchie on pens and free kicks is a better option and worth the extra mill.

      1. hornetjb
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        We had Kennedy at Watford last year - shipped him back due to terrible attitude. Didn't look much of a player either.

      2. Marc OverMata
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Just the reply I was looking for, TY!

    2. tisza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      still can't help noticing Atsu had a BPS of -4 on Sunday. Not encouraging

  16. Ninja Škrtel
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Keep Tekkers or go for Mounie?

    1. WE ARE RANGERS
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Mounie all day

    2. Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Keep Tekkers for Pool. He loves to score against them and I'm a Liverpool supporter.

      1. Arctic monkeys
        • 10 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Is it your year yet ?

  17. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Bernado miss

  18. potatoace
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Is Mendy on the bench/team?

    1. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      No

      1. potatoace
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Ty?

    2. Marc OverMata
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      He'll play this week and Danilo dropped for sane maybe

      1. Syd.
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        No chance of this happening this week

      2. potatoace
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        What? Without any mins behind him tonight ? Not sure about that

  19. how now brown cow
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Any thoughts on tammy Abraham? Didn't see any of Swansea game.

    Ignoring the names which no doubt have been bandied around plenty of zaha posts....

    A) straight replacement

    B) upgrade zaha to 8m and downgrade tammy to junk 4.5 forward. Current 5th mid Carroll.

    C) downgrade zaha to 6.5m and upgrade tammy to mounie

    I thank you in advance from my holiday loitering Wi-Fi access point.

    1. Swanremainsthesame
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Its swansea - with no siggy.
      Lukaku would blank there.

  20. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Is Tadic actually on pens?

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Don't think so. Lost them last season.

    2. Rainer
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      We don't know. Gabbi took and missed the last one but new season, new manager, its up in the air.

    3. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      3rd on the tab above.

      1. JustPark
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Surely Arnie doesn't take direct free kicks for Stoke now, isn't he?

        1. Swanremainsthesame
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          might as well he was chuff all use at Old Trafford, wandered around looking for the exit mostly.

  21. Dreams
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    If @Waxys is around, my apologies to you mate. I've been posting loads of crap lately. Hope you didn't mind. Really sorry about it.

    1. ⭐ Bemba_Da ⭐
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Rumor is he's blocked you

      1. Dreams
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        😆

    2. Syd.
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Are you trying to steal his limelight?

      1. Dreams
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Not really. Trying to make peace with him. We got along well when he was new here.

        1. Syd.
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          I find him extremely annoying and a bit gobby

          1. Dreams
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 7 months ago

            He is but what can we do about it. Doesn't justify my rude replies to him on every possible occasion.

    3. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Waxys dishes it out no doubt , but he takes it back too , doubt he will be offended, lol

      1. Dreams
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Well I was going a bit over the top. So trying to rectify that.

        1. Debauchy
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Yeah , You're a real gent Dreams , just saying seen Waxys take a lot of abuse and he just "rides" right through it.
          He does deserve the odd "rev" though

  22. ★Kuntheman★
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Jesus's finishing has been woeful since he came back from injury

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      SELL !

    2. fedolefan
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      He just has no confidence in front of goal. Having said that, with the chances they create, he will still see tap-ins/assists and is a decent FPL pick.

      1. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        this

        1. Debauchy
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          A sort of Salah

  23. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Tonights Liverpool team. Milner still benched.

    22 Mignolet
    66 Alexander-Arnold
    32 Matip
    6 Lovren
    18 Moreno
    23 Can
    14 Henderson
    5 Wijnaldum
    11 Salah
    9 Firmino
    19 Mané

    Substitutes
    1 Karius
    7 Milner
    12 Gomez
    16 Grujic
    17 Klavan
    27Origi
    29 Solanke

    1. nisag17
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Who said Klopp was going to rotate? I hope Liverpool win easily so any rotation will happen in the second leg and not in prem.

      1. bitm2007
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        I don't think then bench is strong enough to rotate much.

      2. TorresMagic™
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Team vs Palace will be interesting if Pool struggle tonight.

    2. Think
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Hope there are no more injuries to deal with.

    3. Jairzinho
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Is Robertson injured? Not even in the squad.

      1. Licky
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Not sure but I think he might be becoming a dad soon or something?

        1. Licky
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 7 months ago

          Not sure though.

      2. Ramboros
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        He was injured last I checked.

    4. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I thought he said Sturridge would be fit for this game.
      Not even on bench

  24. PremSmith99
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Need help on this one:-

    FOSter
    Jones, Hegazi, Stones, Betrand
    Silva, Mhki, Salah
    Firmino, Lukaku (c), Jesus

    Elliot, Atsu, Brunt, Zanka

    Thinking of making moves to bring in Kane or Erikson should I leave it?

    1. nisag17
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Are you kidding? Spurs are against Chelsea and all your attacking players are good.

      1. Jairzinho
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        I agree that your attackers are good.

        Kane and Eriksen both also good and could do very well against Chelsea. I’m probably captaining Kane and I have Lukaku. But bringing in both would require a hit. So would Kane probably, due to price. If you’re desperate, I’d lose Salah for Eriksen but I’d probably save in your position.

    2. fishnil
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Get one of them next week. you've not used your transfer this week I reckon.

      1. PremSmith99
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        no transfers used, liverpool men can do some damage this weekend, just have a feeling spurs guys can do some damage too, plus liverpool v gunners after..... tough choice, salah will be right up there for captain

  25. ooooo
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    When will Mendy return and play again? I have a feeling even if he doesn't play Sane will play instead of Danillo.

    1. firetog
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Danilo is a right back, who can play left back if needed. But as we saw at the weekend as soon as he gets close to the bye line he has to come back inside to cross, whereas Sane can cross with his left foot.
      I suspect that Sane will play on the left and you will see Danilo rotate with Walker and play more on the right. He will probably play when City have easy games that are either immediately before or after a CL game.

  26. Xerheart
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    MKhi or DSILVA? for Fab (-4)

    1. Debauchy
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Not even a hint of a debate there , Mhki

      1. Xerheart
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Thanks mate.

    2. walkman666
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      I think there is debate. Not sure Man Utd will outscore Man City on a more often than not basis, and D Silva looked pretty good this past weekend. I would be on the fence with this one if I were to make the move.

      1. Xerheart
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Actually still can't decide. Cause I want Pedro on my team once he's on the go.

  27. JustPark
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    AI seeks fantasy football challengers
    http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-40905913

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      51 points so far.

    2. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Ville Ronka to the rescue.

    3. Yav
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      It had Cahill and Fab! lol

  28. Lucackadoodledoo
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Could JWP be on bench with arrival of new midfielder?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Davis is most doubt.

      1. Lucackadoodledoo
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Cheers

    2. Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 7 months ago

      Yes in the long run I guess.

      1. Lucackadoodledoo
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 7 months ago

        Probably will use WC around GW 5 so hopin he will start up to then

  29. Slurpy
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Moreno or Hud 4.5?

  30. bitm2007
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 7 months ago

    Is Gareth Barry likely to be a 4.5m mid on set pieces at WBA ?