Currently recovering from his second knee injury of the year, Southampton fans are yet to witness the true talent possessed by Sofiane Boufal, even if the 23-year-old has shown glimpses during his 15 appearances so far.
Scoring a crucial goal against Middlesbrough in the league, as well as the winner in the EFL Cup against Sunderland and an assist in the 2-0 victory over Arenal, Boufal’s first half of the season could have gone a lot worse.
Out from the Africa Cup of Nations, the forward’s absence could be felt in Tuesday’s crucial game against Ivory Coast, as Morocco look to qualify for the knockout round with a win, as explained by national teammate Nabil Dirar in an interview with France Football.
He said: “Sofiane, he’s a genius. He reminds me of Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco, he doesn’t think too much. Three or four defenders ahead of him? He’s going to try and make it through. He’s a simple guy, respectful, who doesn’t forget where he comes from. I hope he stays like that a long time. He deserves a long and great career.”
Starting off professionally at Angers, Boufal spent a season and a half with the now Ligue 1 club in France’s second tier before a £2.5m move saw him transfer further north to Lille.
Fifty-one games, 15 goals, 10 assists and a £16m bid from Southampton later, and the 23-year-old is now plying his trade in one of the world’s best leagues, surrounded by a talented group of players and an ambitious manager.
He’s unlikely to stop there, too.
