Shane Long's first season with Southampton was good without being wonderful. While he was a bit slow to get going, he finished the season very well. While he played second fiddle to Graziano Pelle for much of the year his performances after Christmas will certainly have given Ronald Koeman food for thought heading into this season.
Southampton kicked off their Europa League campaign last night and although Pelle was given the nod to start as the focal point of the attack, Long was brought on on the hour mark and capped off an impressive Saints performance with the final goal of a 3-0 win over Vitesse Arnhem.
Interestingly, Long was brought on at the same time as new signing Juanmi and it didn't take them long to link up nicely. The Tipperary man has regularly played some of his best football as part of a front two and if Koeman does went to go down that route this season, this linkup play could certainly be something to watch out for during the new season.
