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. FPL Daniel
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Headline of this Lemina report should be: "Don't bother".

    Really did he deserve a scout article? Really?

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

      Agreed, theres 0 fantasy potential here

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

      Probably scores this weekend.

      1. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Even if he scores. Still bad (sh*t) FPL choice

    3. Fpl Richie
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 8 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      I'm okay with it provided big Willie Carvalho gets one next week.

      1. Fpl Richie
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Scrap that, it might be off.

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

    Thought on Gabbi and Zaha to Firmino and a 6.0 mid (probably Mooy)?

    Have 0.5itb. Own Ritchie. No Liverpool mids.

    1. dandydonadam92
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      4 point hit seems silly. Zaha out now and save Gabbi as he may score

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

    Foster - Elliot
    Stones - Stephens - Ake - Suttner - Rangel
    KDB - Salah - Redmond - Zaha - Carroll
    Kane - Jesus - Gabi
    What move do I make with 0.5ITB and 1FT? Zaha needs to go and i'd love some Man U cover.

    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      Redmond to 5.5. Zaha to Mkhi

  4. lilmessipran
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    My current team is-

    Foster Elliot
    Kola Daniels Stephens Mee 4.0
    KDB Zaha Willian Philips carroll
    Luka Kane Firmino

    Which option would you guys suggest

    A Zaha to Rambo/Tadic Ft
    B Zaha + Philips to Mkhi + Atsu (-4)

    1. Badger Badger Mushroom Mush…
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      B

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

        Zaha to Rambo. I am not fan of -4 without need to really forced in it. Though I m in position of -4.

    2. The Sherwinator
      • 6 Years
      6 years, 10 months ago

      B

  5. conew
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    A. Saha and DDG to Miki and Foster
    B. Saha to Ramsey
    C saha to Ince
    D other ?

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

      A. ofcourse with a hit

  6. The Rock
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 14 Years
    6 years, 10 months ago

    Anybody watching the City game? Seems to be a strong team out but 1-0 down, guessing it doesn't look like any of them threatening to start next PL game?

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

      It's pretty pedestrian atm

      1. The Rock
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Interesting. You would be thinking the likes of Sane, Sterling, B.Silva, Toure etc would be itching for a chance to show they should be starting.

        1. MTPockets
            6 years, 10 months ago

            It's not a good game.

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

      Wait a second, City are playing a friendly? But the season started? Wtf is going on

      1. MTPockets
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Pretty much 2nd team

        • Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Big squad

          1. FPL Daniel
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Run out for reserves. Danilo and company 😉

      2. Now I'm Panicking
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Benteke to Mounie this week to potentially fund Lacaz to Kane for GW3?

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

          Benteke could do well this week Jarvish. I'd keep him.

          1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Yea I agree with you.

            He's got s rest record vs his old club. Pool can't defend set pieces and benteke has got a good header on him!

            1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              Can't understand how iPhone auto correct changes "he's got a good record" to "he's got s rest record" 😆

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

              Yep. Nothing more to add what you said.

        2. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Thanks guys - you're probably right 🙂

      3. Think
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        It never happens as planned. I thought of saving transfer at start of season and then this Zaha injury and iwobi no show forcing me to change my plan. Banking a transfer is out of questions and -4 is on cards. This is how FPL works.

        1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          You not sold Iwobi already?

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

            Yes I sold him to avoid price drop and now Zaha is out for 4 weeks so have to sell him for -4.

            1. J ⚒ Gimme ur Mané
              • Fantasy Football Scout Member
              • 9 Years
              6 years, 10 months ago

              Oh that's good then, was worried you hadn't sold him yet after his price drop.

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

          Exactly the same over here. Did Iwobi to Xhaka on sunday before I knew of Zaha. Now I cant decide if I should let Carroll play or pick Willian (or Ramsey?) before prices change. What are you doing?

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

            It looks like Zaha's price will drop sooner or later.either have to take that drop or sell him and find repla

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

              Willians price will likely change tonight according to fplstatistics.com (at 79 and rising fast). Zaha is only halfway there but before GW2 he will almost certainly have dropped. A Willian switch is probably not possible by tomorrow. Is it worth -4 though?

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

        PLEASE SUGGEST

        Foster (Elliot)
        Stephens Kola Danilo (Mee Suttner)
        KDB Zaha Willian Ince (Carroll)
        Lukaku Kane Gabbi

        a) Zaha > Atsu (ITB 2.5)
        b) Zaha > JWP (ITB 2.0)
        c) Zaha > Ramsey (ITB 0)

        1. John Stones
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          C

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

            How do u know Ramsey starts

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

              So, between A or B which one looks better for GW 2?

      5. John Stones
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Foster
        Daniels-Valencia-Bertrand
        Kdb-Ritchie-Willian-JWP
        Kane-Lukaku-Firmino

        Save ft??

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

          save

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

        Is Phil Jones nailed on next to Bailly? At least for Prem games?

        1. Team Cruel
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Yes. He starts when fit.

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

            Cheers

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

        Got left behind by previous article. Easy one hopefully. Think a hit is necessarily sadly.

        A. Forster and Zaha to Foster and Mkhi.
        B. Ritchie and Zaha to Atsu and Mkhi.

        First to 3 will do for me.

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

          Think I'm doing a hit to get Mkhi as well.

          I like A if you have no West Brom.

      8. mikess
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 13 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Just a sample of players who blanked in the opening game of 2016-2017 season, all went on to have stellar seasons. Some essential to own.

        Kane
        Eriksen
        Alli
        Sanchez
        KDB
        Sigurdsson
        Zaha

        I think we all need to relax a little, myself included and give the guys we initially picked a chance

        1. mikess
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 13 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Firmino

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

          This.

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

          you've just talked me into resigning zaha for a hit

      9. VFORVANDETA
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Zaha to?

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

          hot topic

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

          Tadic

        3. Simon69
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Mkhitaryan if you've got the cash.

          1. Now I'm Panicking
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            No-one has cash after GW1

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

              Yeah.Just for ft.

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

              I have 1.0 in bank. was having 1.5 but used 0.5 to upgrade iwobi.

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

              I have 3.5 in the bank lol

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

              3.5m here

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

        Willian or Ramsey for Zaha?

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

          willian

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

        Really want to get this sorted ASAP. Would you swap Zaha out for:

        A) Mooy
        B) Ince
        C) Tadic
        D) Redmond
        E) Ramsey

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

          b

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

            Reason?

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

              fixtures nailed and advanced attacker really.

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

          C or Atsu

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

          Do you already have Willian?

      12. John Stones
        • 6 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        thoughts on Ritchie and JWP potentials for this gameweek??

      13. JustPark
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        --------------Foster-------------
        ------------------------------------
        PJones--Yoshida--Lejeune,
        ------------------------------------
        KDB--Salah--Zaha*--Ritchie
        ------------------------------------
        Kaku-------Jesus-------JRod

        (Elliot, Suttner, Tarrol, Naughton)
        1FT ITB: 3.5m

        Original plan was to swap Jesus to Kane in gw3 and probably somebody else too since I should be having 2FT.
        Now that Zaha seems a definite out for gw2:
        A) Zaha to Eriksen for free(could slot Laca in for Jesus in gw3).
        A) Zaha to 8.5m or less(can only think of Ramsey right now).

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

          Eriksen

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

          There has to be better value than Ramsey. He's not even nailed.

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

            Yeah I prefer not to have him unless I've seen enough(on his nailedness).

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

          Everything seems to love Mkhitaryian, 8.0 right?

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

            Not sure whether to double on United or Eriksen as Spurs cover and have Lacaz next for Arsenal.

        4. JB Allstars
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          zaha --> mikitayrian
          the get kane next week

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

            That seems popular here. Eriksen on set pieces though. And Tadic has great fixtures(and still on penalty is he?)

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

          *B supposedly. You get the idea.

      14. ★Kuntheman★
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        It's a friendly...yeah...but we are playing so shite

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

          It's a friendly. Phew.

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

          Got bored, turned it off

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

          Man shitty

        4. Debauchy
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Relax Kun

        5. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Even the players think it's a total waste of time and effort

      15. Debauchy
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Looking forward to Juuhuuu Atsuuu..

        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          He was great this weekend. Is he nailed on.? Newcastle has too many mids and we l remember Rafatation

          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGenius…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            I doubt he's nailed.

      16. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Ramsey or Tadic for Zaha?

      17. FPL Maldini
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Does Mark or Jonty own Zaha?

        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Mark doesn't

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

          they both do.

      18. FPL Daniel
        • 14 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Very eager for next defensive midfielder scout article. Maybe Mark's long-time ago wish, defensive mids to be separate category and to get pts for clearances and stuff :))))))) :))))

        In the past I don't remember Scout article for Cattermole!!!

        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Wish to come true 😛

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

          they should get 2-3 points for clean sheets, as they are often just as important as defenders

        3. Debauchy
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          You have been away awhile Daniel . Good to have you back.
          But Cattemole ,, will not be back.

          1. FPL Daniel
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            He won't. He was a gold for that game when you are better if you have yellow red and own goals 🙂

            Thanks mate good to be back. Good luck

      19. Robson-Canoe
        • 8 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Arnautovic doesn't seem to be a well received pick, I'll ask another then:
        Would you rather do
        A) Zaha -> Ramsey (stk, liv, BOU)
        B) Zaha -> Ince (NEW, SOU, whu) and have 1.0 ITB

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

          ince

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

        Suggestion pls..

        A. take -8 for 11 starters
        B. -12 for the best 11 I'm looking for
        C. Wildcard

        Thanks guys

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

          C looks less suicidal. So C

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

          tough
          A>C>B

      21. THFC4LIFE
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Gabbi > Mounie for free? Or give him another chance this gw

        1. dandydonadam92
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          1 more chance

      22. FPL Maldini
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Zaha to....

        A) Tadic

        B) Knockeart

        C) Mooy

        1. FPL Daniel
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Consensus is Mooy. I am not convinced

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

          Ramsey ? Ritchie ? Willian?

          1. FPL Maldini
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 10 months ago

            Got Ritchie and not sure on Ramsey minutes, don't fancy Willian

        3. Celt Abroad
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          I'm thinking winjaldum

        4. LosBlancos
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 6 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Zaha to
          A) Tadic
          B) Atsu
          C) Arnautovic (least keen on him as he faces SOU next)
          Don't want Rambo or Willian

      23. ⚔★Vibudh★⚔
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        No one considering Lanzini/Arnie for Zaha?

        1. F4L
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          possibly Arnie

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

          West Ham haven't settled down yet. Let them do it first.

        3. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          I would be tempted by Arnie with those fixtures as a punt for sure

        4. Debauchy
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Some , love Lanzini as a player but not worth a look in yet

        5. dark91
          • 8 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          I thought about it but found it too risky after i saw West Ham last week and given there are better options like Mkhi at 8.0

      24. F4L
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 10 months ago

        Liverpool to destroy Hoffenheim tonight. Mane brace, Salah

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

          Fingers crossed.

        2. Now I'm Panicking
          • 9 Years
          6 years, 10 months ago

          Should win easily - probably will be a 0-0 bore

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

            Don't think it's possibly for Liverpool to draw 0-0. More likely 2-2 or 3-3