Friday 25 September 2015 07:36, UK
Southampton were prepared to write Gaston Ramirez off as a £12m flop, but now Ronald Koeman is ready to give him a chance to belatedly prove his worth.
Much was expected of the then club-record acquisition when he signed from Bologna three years ago, but he has only showed fleeting glimpses of his talent during that period.
The attacking midfielder spent last season on loan at Hull and looked set for a summer exit with Koeman admitting it looked 'very difficult' for him to stay.
But the 24-year-old came off the bench in Wednesday's 6-0 League Cup win at MK Dons - a first appearance for the club in 13 months that Koeman suggests could be followed by more.
"What's changed? What has changed is we passed the transfer window," the Dutchman said. "We had some injuries with some players and I gave some players a rest.
"Of course, normally, it is a possibility to take one of the strikers from the U21s, but they played on Monday for 90 minutes.
"He is part of the team, he is training well, his behaviour is positive. I'm the first to give that kind of player a chance when we need somebody. Injuries are one of the big problems for Gaston.
"I spoke to him before starting the pre-season and for the first time he had a normal holiday and after seven or eight days of the pre-season, he got an injury and lost three weeks in the pre-season. Then you know it is difficult.
"Still, he isn't the first choice on the position in front, but I know his qualities. He is technically a very good player and if he is physically on level, yeah, why not? Why not? It's competition.
"It's all about your performance during the whole week and if you get the opportunity to play show your qualities."
A lack of on-field discipline has also frustrated the Saints boss, although he spotted a few positive signs in Milton Keynes.
"He is a player who likes to take freedom on the pitch," Koeman said.
"I say always to the players take freedom out of your position. What he did on Wednesday was different than sometimes when he played (as he played with discipline).
"He played more from the right and then he can go in. That's the freedom that every attacker, every forward, needs.
"But, in my opinion, he took too much freedom and then it is difficult for your organisation in the team."
