Ronald Koeman has praised Sadio Mane’s “great attitude” as a key attribute for what he believes can be a glittering career.

The Senegal midfielder starred on his full debut as Saints defeated Arsenal in the Capital One Cup last week and followed that up with another stunning display against QPR at St Mary’s.

It has given fans a glimpse of the talent that encouraged Saints to part with £10m to sign him on transfer deadline day.

Mane has all the obvious attributes needed for success – pace, skill and a good footballing brain.

But Koeman is adamant that his attitude is as important as anything, and sets him up well for a successful career.

“He can be very good because one of his best qualities is that he is so fast,” reflected Koeman.

“He knows the movements to surprise the defence of the opponents.

“Sometimes we have in our attack some people that like to come in on the ball, but we need players as well that go in space and look for that.

“That is one of his best qualities and another of his good qualities is that he is doing good pressing. He makes quick decisions.

“If he is attacking and we lose the ball, he is always back. That is a great attitude.”

The Premier League has a history of encouraging good African players, with the likes of Didier Drogba particularly inspiring millions of aspiring footballers on the continent.

There is every chance Mane could also shine for a long time to come, but Koeman is keen to remind people not to put too much pressure on him too soon.

“He is 21 or 22 years old, he is still very young,” insisted the Saints boss.

“He has a great future ahead of him and we happy that he is playing for our team.”

Mane’s debut felt a while in coming, but Koeman was adamant he would not field his new gun until he was fully ready.

“He played in the international break two times for Senegal and he was in a physically good condition,” said Koeman.

“Then he needed adaptation to the rest of the players, but he brought in his qualities.

“His quality is different than the qualities of Long, of Tadic, and that makes a team.

“He had a good performance but he has to keep going.”