Ralph Hasenhuttl handed Nathan Tella his inaugural Premier League start for Saints at Leeds United.
Ralph Hasenhuttl said “He caused more threats than the other 10s in the moment. It was not easy I think but in a few moments he showed that he is definitely, in the 10 position, an alternative. He caused more threats than the other 10s in the moment. This is where I really get what I expected – that he doesn’t decide a game immediately. It was also not so surprising. But he had the chances to do it. I think he must work on his finish – it can be better. And physically, the Premier League is a high level.”
Tella’s form was rewarded when he penned a fresh deal at St Mary’s last July, keeping him at the club until at least 2023. His first league start came during Saints’ miserable run of top-flight form, which has now stretched to one point from a possible 24 in the division. Asked whether the promising forward had the mentality to step up for Saints during this difficult run, Hasenhuttl replied: “He’s not afraid of going in the duels – in the one-against-one.
Ralph Hasenhuttl said “He takes responsibility and this is what you have to do as a young player and the rest you learn.”
Nathan Tella said: “I want to earn the manager’s trust, earn the players’ trust so that when I’m called upon, whether it’s for a 90-minute game, whether it’s for five minutes or one minute – I just want them to know whenever they call upon me, I’m ready.”
Former Arsenal youngster Tella showed his talent during the first half at Elland Road, as he chalked up his seventh top-flight appearance of the campaign. The Stevenage-born star darted away from Leeds skipper Liam Cooper during the opening exchanges in west Yorkshire, before taking aim and working keeper Illan Meslier from the edge of the box. Tella was then involved in a flashpoint on 35 minutes when he went to ground under the challenge of Diego Llorente in the area. But referee Andre Marriner decided to reverse his penalty decision following a VAR check. The 21-year-old was eventually substituted after 58 minutes in place of Liverpool loanee Takumi Minamino, who had been rotated out by Austrian boss Hasenhuttl.
