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. Captain Roberto
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Listening to Dean Saunders on BT Sport might actually lower your IQ.

    1. Red Dagger ✪
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Be thankful you are not in the USA. I have to listen to Warren Barton.

      1. ⚽️ Barry Chocolate ⚽…
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        😀

      2. FPL.team
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Wimbledon legend 😀

      3. Hairy Potter
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Centre partin'

  2. Net Gains
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    If you could choose any celebrities to become owners or managers of a club, who would you choose and for which club?

    I'd go for Liverpool to be owned by Donald Trump and managed by Simon Cowell!

    1. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I'd love Manchester United to be owned by Kim jong un and managed by Piers Morgan.

      1. UnitedFan
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        🙁

        1. Dreams
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Bloody hell. How the hell do you pop up at times like these?

          1. UnitedFan
            • 8 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Lurk all day until I see a post like yours 😉 How are you doing? Haven't spoken in a while.

            1. Dreams
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              I'm alright. How're you?

              1. UnitedFan
                • 8 Years
                6 years, 10 months ago

                Grand thanks. Watching the Pool game like yourself.

                1. Dreams
                  • 7 Years
                  6 years, 10 months ago

                  A grand victory on cards. See you after half time. Ta ta.

      2. Klopptomist Scott Jelly
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Hear hear

      3. Captain Roberto
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Surely Kim Jong-in would be the manager as well? Hands on with the day-to-day.

        1. Captain Roberto
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Kim Jong-un

          I hope he doesn't see that as disrespect and disappear me :/

    2. ⚽️ Barry Chocolate ⚽…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Jedward at Old Trafford

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

      Swansea to be owned by bob bradley and managed by bob bradley

    4. Captain Roberto
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Big Bird from Sesame Street managing Chelsea would be a laugh.

  3. bojack
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Has anyone else noticed the number of trolls here is higher than ever?

    Hopefully they'll die off like the leaves in autumn.

    1. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I've counted around 6 of them. How many are there in your list?

      1. bojack
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Don't want to name them and get the post deleted but all I'll say is bring back Chappelle, all is forgiven.

    2. fedolefan
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      The season has just begun. Everyone is full of enthusiasm. One-two more disastrous weeks and they'll all be gone.

    3. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah, thought this throughout all pre-season too.

    4. Dr. DOOM
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      1 troll post on every page it seems

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

      Sims was the first one I remember

      1. Dr. DOOM
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        He still here?
        I see a guy named Waxys posting some very stupid stuff

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

          He's everywhere
          But oddly enough..I like him

    6. FPL ZB
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      A certain one who seems to like Wayne Rooney is around too often, but I won't name names..

    7. FantasyFootballSprout
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Sims is a pain in the proverbial backside

    8. @FPLMason
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Agreed

    9. Lebowski85
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I avoided this site for a year after the opening day last year.

      This pre-season has brought it back though....I've enjoyed the comraderie

    10. Adam West - Team Serbia for…
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      No ... * logs off

    11. BabyB
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Bojack,

      Can you mail me on
      Kurt-grohl at gmx dot com please? Got an idea for you.

      Cheers

    12. George Sillett
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I strongly advise that you reply to Baby B.

  4. The Curse of Falcao
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Fab out for the next game and waiting on news of Zaha, should i just get Willian in or downgrade either Zaha or Fab to be able to upgrde the other to Mkhi or anther 8.0?

    Foster
    Daniels Stephens Bertrand
    Zaha KDB Fabregas Redmond
    Firmino Lukaku Kane

    Elliot|Carroll|Suttner|Long

    1. I Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      If you plan on taking out both I'd go for Mkhi. Looks a much more attractive option than anyone at 7.0m.

    2. Johqvist
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I'm thinking Fab & Zaha to Atsu & Mané/Alli. I have both Kane and Firmino but I don't mind a double up of either team.

      1. The Curse of Falcao
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        are you doing that for a hit this GW or doing over 2 weeks?

        1. Johqvist
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          For a -4 this GW. Sets me up nicely aswell since I don't really like taking hits usually unless it's long term.

    3. ⚽️ Barry Chocolate ⚽…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      zaha out for 3-4 weeks apparently.

      1. Dr. DOOM
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Source, mate?

    4. @FPLMason
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Latter option

    5. Back on the horse
      • 13 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      get them both out and upgrade/downgrade. Mkhi is a good shout, although I didnt see the match. how did pogba look?

  5. Vlad Tepes
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Worth transfering Dummett out? Or do you think he will be back soon? He seems like the most nailed defender in Newcastle.

    1. Waylander
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      4 weeks out was the verdict.

    2. Vlad Tepes
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Ouch thats long. Would like to have a Newcastle as my 4th defender. Who should I replace him with?

      1. Waylander
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Good question. Clark seems most nailed. Manquillo also started and Mbemba and Lascalles were brought on to cover the 2 injuries.

        I guess Clark for nailed starter?

    3. RAFA THE GAFFA
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Clark! Dummet is rubbish!!

  6. Atimis
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Fast one:

    1) Zanka
    2) Lowe

    Why?

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

      Dunk
      That header was superb

      1. Atimis
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Hahaha, have Suttner already

    2. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Zanka because it reminds me of Cool Runnings, even if that wasn't the actual (nick)name used.

      1. Fred54
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Just looked it up, its actually 'Sanka' in the film. Close enough.

    3. Miguel Sanchez
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Lowe - cause that's his real name

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

    Are you playing Foster or Elliot?

    1. Atimis
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Probably will stick with Foster

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

      Foster
      NEW have injuries & suspension

    3. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Only have Foster out of those 2, but would stick with Foster if in your situation.

  8. Matsy123
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    What are Fab owners doing?

    1. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Licking there wounds.,

    2. Bojaninho
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      jogging on

    3. aarrgghh
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      wildcarding

    4. Johqvist
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Fab + Zaha to something that equals 14m.

  9. ramzieibrahim
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Foster Elliot
    Valencia stones Cedric mee mbemba
    Rlc mikhi alli mane Chaka
    Aguero lukaku mounie

    Wildcarded
    Any changes you would make to improve this team ?

  10. Sergeant Slaughter
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    There's no crying in fantasy football!!!
    Yeah, so I had Fab and Zaha.
    Welcome Ramsey, Mikhi and Hegazi. I laugh at -8 points.

    1. Dr. DOOM
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Wow

      1. Sergeant Slaughter
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        that bad?

  11. Ronnies
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    When should we get an update on Zaha injury ? before price drop maybe ?

    Tnks

    1. Dr. DOOM
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I think day after tomorrow he'll drop

      1. @FPLMason
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        This

  12. Jafooli
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Is it time to start doxxing players who don't score us points?

    1. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Theres this guy called 'Wilfried' who is ruining my team right now can you do something about that

      1. Jafooli
        • 12 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        What's the latest? I also have him, is he broken confirmed?

        1. Greenbackbøøg…
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Yupperino 🙁

          1. Jafooli
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Buggerinho....

        2. potatoace
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 12 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Didn't train today. Sounds a bit more serious than just "precaution"

          1. Jafooli
            • 12 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Cheers Tatty......not good news

    2. FantasyFootballSprout
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I was thinking about doxing people on here who don't agree with my opinion

  13. Fred54
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    What are Mitrovic owners doing?

    1. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Hahaha.

      For real?

      1. Fred54
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Yep. 🙁

        1. Fred54
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          You idiot.

        2. Dr. DOOM
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Wait what lol

    2. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Trippin out!!

    3. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Crying their hearts out.

  14. FPL ZB
    • Has Moderation Rights
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Right. Screw it. Tadic will have five good fixtures coming up, Willian could be gone after the next two hard ones. Right lads, right!?

    1. Greenbackbøøg…
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I don't know man

      1. Tatty Bojangles
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Agreed, one of the biggest trolls in FPL

    2. @FPLMason
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Agreed

    3. Evs
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Well, I like to play the fixtures...

      1. FPL ZB
        • Has Moderation Rights
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        I can't believe I'm going back to him. Like a terrible relationship.

    4. FantasyFootballSprout
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Zouma, take a cooler

    5. RIOmybuddy777
      • 10 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Nahhh think Willian will do well over next month, regardless of who Chelsea are playing...I just brought him in for Saha....

    6. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Tadic will break your heart. Always does.

    7. Essem
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Yes. Let's go.

  15. cuervos
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Fabregas and alonso to eriksen and davies

    Yes or no?

  16. Bojaninho
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    So fine gentleman...

    Fabregas+Zaha >

    Ramsey+Willan or Atsu+Salah

    comments/ideas/abuse all welcome 🙂

    1. Tatty Bojangles
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Atsu and Salah

      1. RamaJama
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        This

      2. Bojaninho
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        hmm have Mane already..

    2. cuervos
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Atsu salah

  17. @FPLMason
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Best 5.5 mill and below player from now until gw 7? Cheers.

  18. Little Frank
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 13 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Who would you say is a better FPL prospect - Mhiki or Firmino?

    1. @FPLMason
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      After Pool game I'd answer this.

    2. Dr. DOOM
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Firmino easy imo

      1. Bojaninho
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Agreed, Game time and consistent and on pens.

    3. liiusions
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Firmino, pens and in a team who will score more

    4. Fred54
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Both could be great, but Firm on pens edges it.

    5. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Firmino

    6. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I would say firm is better choice atm. Only because you get a better rounded team with the cash you save on the fw line . Mid priced fw getting points for a high scoring team. You don't get that often.

    7. Karan14
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      It's close there's not much in it.

      Firmino could go oh his run of blanks. Given penalties is a plus but you can't rely only pens. Coutinho coming back could also change things and dynamics.

      Mkhi is looking good for the short to medium but when fixtures tighten up from GW8 and CL kicks in expect some rotation and tight games.

  19. Vlad Tepes
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Best 4.5 defender?

  20. Corona Macallan
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Best replacement for zaha?

    A. Ramsey
    B. Atsu

    1. UnitedFan
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      A

    2. arndff_
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Mooy/Ince
      Mkhi with a hit

    3. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Ramsey street...
      Most people will be living there soon.

  21. RIOmybuddy777
    • 10 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Saha to Willian .....no brainier......just do it...

    1. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      All the kool kids already have Willian

  22. Guigui
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Where is the link for tonight scoutcast ?

    1. TorresMagic™
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • Has Moderation Rights
      • 15 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      90 mins early.

      1. Guigui
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Ok thanks. The link will be posted in the main page ?

  23. Rainer
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Mignolet 😆

  24. The Royal Robin
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Get a really good feeling about Tadic this weekend 😀 WHU are there for the taking, again.

  25. Demel
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 12 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Zaha & Rondon >

    A) Loftus-Cheek & Vardy
    B) Atsu & Firmino
    C) Tadic/Redmond & Chicarito
    D) Ramsey/Willian & Gayle/Vokes/Mounie
    E) Silva/Mkhi & Abraham
    F) Sane/Mahrez & Ayew/Calvert Lewin

    1. @FPLMason
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      C

    2. Dr. DOOM
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      D

    3. The Wanton Trader
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      D. Ram + Mounie out of those.

  26. Win'dian
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    more nailed for next 4 gw..
    Jones or Davies?

  27. Scout
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Current squad:
    Foster
    Davies, Daniels, Bertrand
    Pogba, Ali, KDB, Willian
    Defoe, lukaku, Hernandez

    Willing to play wildcard
    Any changes you would make to this team.

    Already used my ft on Davies from Cahill

    1. FantasyFootballSprout
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      apart from Defoe, it looks alright. Keep

    2. potatoace
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 12 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Your team is perfectly fine mate.

      1. Scout
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Was thinking of swapping Hernandez for vardy or firmino and losing 4pts?

        Worried the mkhi will go up and won't be able to get him. Seems like a good buy?

    3. Business Cat
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Yeah, nothing majorly wrong there...stick with it

      1. Scout
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Hernandez for firmino or vardy I was thinking? Most people are say firmino

  28. ZakyJ
    • 8 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Just to confirm its unlikely Zaha price will drop today so can make decisions tomorrow. (Decisions will include Jrodriguez, Firminio, RLC, Chalobah, Ramsey and maybe Stay or Moot who also won't change in price toniggt)?)

    1. PompeyUpNorth!
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      You're right, well said thanks..

  29. ramzieibrahim
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    5.5 + forming
    Or
    Mounie + mikhi

    1. FantasyFootballSprout
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Mounie and mkhi

  30. Dr. DOOM
    • 6 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Hoffenheim looking dangerous