Puel: Boufal is talented but needs improvement

Southampton manager Claude Puel has called for improvement from 'talented' Sofiane Boufal despite the forward scoring a stunning winner in the 1-0 victory over Middlesborough on Sunday.

The Saints club record signing marked his first ever Premier League goal in empathic fashion against the Boro but his manager feels the 23-year-old can improve in his efficiency in possession and his movement off the ball.

Puel feels as a flair player, he still needs to contribute in other stages of play, especially in a fiercely contested league like the English top-flight.

"Sofiane is a talent but also it is important to work with a good attitude," he said after the game.

"For example in the first half we saw a lot of dribbles without a good thing, he lost a lot of balls. It was not a good Sofiane. "It was important he came back in the second half and found a good solution when he plays one or two touch and keeps his spontaneity. 

"He is a good player with talent. It's important he makes progress and after that he can be the difference every time because he has fantastic quality."

The Morocco international joined Southampton for £16 million from Ligue 1 side Lille after scoring 12 goals in 35 games.