NATHAN Redmond is thriving as a result of playing more selflessly.
That is the verdict of the Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, who has been delighted to see Redmond rise to the challenge of becoming more of a team player.
Having scored nine goals in his first two-and-half-years at Saints, Redmond has netted four in his last six games.
But Hasenhuttl has been just as pleased by Redmond’s all-round game.
Redmond has also gained his first assists of the season under Hasenhuttl, who highlighted the 24 year-old’s performance in the 2-1 win at Leicester as one that epitomised his improvement.
Saints chief Ralph Hasenhuttl has been thrilled with Redmond's performances
He said: “The main part for him is that it’s not just fun to play in front, it’s about working hard.
“Especially in the last game.
“He knew it would be very difficult, after the red card for [Yan] Valery, to play his game that he likes to play; having the ball in front in the last third of the pitch and then scoring and showing his moves.
“What he did in this game he defended back to his own box and got others to clear the ball.
“That’s a new Nathan Redmond. It was not cool for him, it was really hard working. “That’s what I want to see from him.
“He worked hard and stayed focused till the end of the game.
“If he doesn’t score but the team is winning he finds a reverse gear.”
Redmond celebrates one of his goals against Derby
Asked if Redmond has been less selfish, he added: “That’s a good word, I agree.
“I have spoken with him and he has seen that in this team it’s 100 per cent necessary to not get comfortable.
“Others close your gaps, they help you, they hurt themselves to help you.
“That’s the way to be in this team.”
Saints have taken much encouragement from their second-half display at Leicester. Having conceded 2-0 leads against Brighton, Fulham and Manchester United under Mark Hughes and then at Derby last week, they showed great resilience in holding on to a 2-1 victory with ten men.
Ex-Saint Mark Hughes
“I was happy after losing a 2-0 lead against Derby that it didn’t happen against Leicester,” continued Hasenhuttl.
“It would have cost us two points so it was a very big experience for my players. We were a little lazy and a little sloppy [against Derby] and against a Championship team that is not enough to win a game.
“Against Leicester we saw we have to stay focused till the end.”
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