Player Focus: Minor Tweaks Helping Pellè Avoid Second Season Syndrome

Second season syndrome - it's a common concern for any team or player after a debut campaign in the top division. After an impressive debut season, exceeding expectations and rightly drawing the plaudits, the difficultly is to then follow that up with an equally notable showing, with the pressure at times getting the better of said team or player. However, if early signs are to be believed, Graziano Pellè is one who won't succumb to the dreaded curse.

The Italy international has begun his second term in England in excellent fashion, netting six goals and providing a further two assists - both of which came in Southampton's memorable 3-1 win at Chelsea last month - in his opening 11 Premier League appearances this season. Incidentally, the only league game Pellè didn't start last season was at Stamford Bridge, while his two assists in the win over the Blues matched his total for last term. It has indeed been a bright start to the season for Pellè.

However, that was more or less the case with the Italian last term after he hit the ground running, bagging six goals in his opening seven league appearances. Two goals in his subsequent 23 league outings saw the adulation quickly disperse as the striker struggled to maintain his best form. There were concerns that he would labour to a disappointing start, despite netting on the opening weekend of the season, particularly in the wake of Morgan Schneiderlin's move to Manchester United.

Yet, the fears have been misplaced and after his man of the match display in the 2-0 win over Bournemouth on Sunday, Saints supporters are hoping he can better the 12 league goals bagged last term in the quest to secure a Europa League spot once more. He should indeed be aiming for as much by the time the campaign draws to a close next May. A conversion rate of 13.3% this season is better than last term (9.8%), coming despite the frontman averaging more shots per league game this season (4) than last (3.2), contributing to a much improved WhoScored rating (7.03 rising to 7.41).

Not much has changed in terms of the system in place at Southampton, with Ronald Koeman remaining largely loyal to his tried and tested 4-2-3-1 formation, a system that helps bring out the best in a player of Pellè's ability. Rather, the change in personnel has contributed to the 30-year-old building on his fine debut campaign in England. Schneiderlin wasn't the only high profile departure from St. Mary's over the summer, with Nathaniel Clyne moving to Liverpool over the summer. His replacement at right-back came in the form of Cedric Soares, a full-back more than willing to press forward and join the attack.

This has seen Saints attack more down the right (35%) than the centre or left, with Soares offering such an offensive threat. One of the club's strengths is 'attacking down the wings', with only three Saints players averaging more accurate crosses per game than the 24-year-old right-back (1), two of which are generally set-piece tackers - Dusan Tadic (2.6) and James Ward-Prowse (1.1).

Meanwhile, as a club Saints are playing more accurate crosses per game this season (6.9) than they were last term (5.6). As a result, this is maximising Pellè's strength in the air. Of the six goals Pelle has scored this season, three have been headers, only Georginio Wijnaldum (4) has scored more in England's top tier this term. Compared to last season, he surprisingly managed just two headed goals in the entire Premier League.

Koeman's movements in the transfer market have been crucial. One of the problems for the Saints boss was the lack of striking reinforcements when Pellè was in need of a rest or out of form, as was indeed the case for the middle part of last season. Without a winter break - an alien concept to the frontman in his debut campaign in England - he struggled to maintain his excellent form. Having played 3284 of a possible 3420 minutes (96%), burn out was an issue. This was noted by Koeman, who moved for Juanmi over the summer, while Jay Rodriguez's return to the first team fold has certainly swelled his offensive options, easing the demands on Pellè's shoulders.

While Pellè has played more minutes (979) than any other Saints player this season, Koeman at least has options in reserve as and when he wishes to rest his star striker. Added competition will also ensure Pellè does not rest on his laurels without a teammate ready to come into the first team fold should his performance levels dip.

Nevertheless, a commendable start to the campaign means supporters are confident that Pellè can add to the 18 league goals he has bagged since securing his switch to England last summer. A few minor tweaks by Koeman have meant the frontman has looked back to his best as Saints continue to push up the table.

How do you think Pellè has performed in his second season at Southampton? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below