Ronald Koeman has admitted refusing to give Juanmi fouls in training in a bid to try and get the Spanish attacker used to the physical nature of the Premier League.

The Saints boss officiates some practise matches at Staplewood, and Juanmi is certainly learning the hard way how to avoid tough situations.

Koeman is delighted with the way that Juanmi is responding and learning, and believes the 22-year-old, who joined in the summer from Malaga for £5m, will be a great player for the club.

“There is progression, because it’s not physically a strong player,” explained Koeman.

“The contact on the battles in the midfield or in his position - left, right or behind the striker -you have to play fast, and that needs time to understand and to learn from that.

“We are working hard with Juanmi to show him clips, even last Sunday against Liverpool was one action in the second half.

“If he comes in a physical battle then he don’t win that because he’s fast, small, and he has to understand, and he is understanding because we are helping and he is improving himself.

“If he is on that level he will get his chances.”

He continued: “Yes, it’s hard first for the player and the second it’s also hard for the manager because you have to make decisions.

“We sign Juanmi as a new player but he’s a young player. Juanmi is 22 and he needs time and we know it’s a big difference about the tempo in the Premier League compared to different leagues. I don’t say the Premier League is stronger than the Spanish competition but it’s different in tempo, in physically what you need. That needs time.

“We speak with Juanmi about that and sometimes I am the referee if we play a game on the pitch and I don’t whistle. I don’t whistle because sometimes he is falling too easy, he needs to be more strong and keep your football out of contacts.

“That we are trying to develop.”

Juanmi will be hoping for a chance against Aston Villa tomorrow night, having started in the previous round of the Capital One Cup which produced a 6-0 victory over MK Dons.

Koeman is very pleased that Juanmi is adapting well to his methods and added: “Yes, depending communication between the manger and the player. If you don’t say anything it’s difficult for the player but if you keep contact, keep communication what he needs to improve to get a chance.

“Ok, it’s still depending the player how he is acting, how he is accepting that but he’s a very good, positive guy.

“Also in his language – he didn’t understand English, it was difficult. You need time as a player and he gets that time because finally he will be a very good player for Southampton.”