Ralph Hasenhüttl was full of praise for youngster Nathan Tella after he played a significant role in Southampton's 2-0 victory at Sheffield United.
The 21-year-old, who was starting only his second Premier League match, played up front at Bramall Lane and caused all sorts of problems for the home team, with his bursting run through the middle after half an hour the catalyst for the crucial breakthrough, as he was brought down in the area by Ethan Ampadu, allowing James Ward-Prowse to score from the spot.
It wasn't just that moment, though, as Tella proved a regular threat and could well have had a goal of his own.
ralph hasenhüttl
this energetic young guy is one of the jewels we have in our academy.
southampton manager
Even without that cherry on the cake, it was another memorable outing for the Academy graduate, who has strung together an impressive series of displays when called upon by Hasenhüttl this season.
"This energetic young guy is one of the jewels we have in our Academy and I like to push him, because I think he showed today that as a striker he is not so easy to defend," said the Saints boss.
Hasenhüttl was also pleased for Ché Adams, whose stunning goal early in the second half sealed the win and marked his first strike since netting against the same opposition back in mid-December.
The Southampton manager is hopeful that this latest goal may spark a scoring run for Adams, much like last season when he ended a long drought with another goal of the season contender, against Manchester City.
"He worked hard today also I think," said Hasenhüttl. "The difficult ones he makes, and hopefully in the future also the easy ones!"
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