Monday 28 November 2016 00:53, UK
Thierry Henry says Josh Sims must be allowed to grow as a player after his impressive showing in the 1-0 win over Everton on Sunday.
The 19-year-old was handed his debut by Claude Puel and turned in a man-of-the-match display, which included an assist for Charlie Austin to nod in the winner just 41 seconds into the clash at St Mary's.
Southampton's latest talent to emerge from their famed academy was substituted to a standing ovation with seven minutes remaining and Henry believes Sims must be given time.
"I honestly don't know how far this kid is going to go, you have to make sure you let him grow and not put too much pressure on him," the Sky Sports pundit said.
"What I liked with him today was his football brain, what I mean by that is, he knew exactly when to come into the pocket, when to keep the ball, when to turn and go forward, when to pass it back and what I liked with his passing accuracy was a lot of the passes were made forward.
"His football brain is right up there, but it is just one game and I hope to see him again."
Fellow pundit and former Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp admitted he was surprised at how easy Sims adapted to top-flight football and his natural ability was a pleasure to watch.
"I have to be honest, Thierry and I were so excited watching him. He got straight into the flow of the game, it was very hard to tell if he was right-footed or left-footed.
"He showed exactly what he could do, his passing was crisp, he ran without the ball, he worked hard for his team.
"Considering it was his debut in Premier League football, I thought he was fantastic today. It was a joy to watch him."
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