SAINTS manager Russell Martin labelled Charly Alcaraz a “great player” who will score a lot but admits the Argentine will need to work on his decision-making in the final third.

The 20 year old attacking midfielder has been a constant threat for the St Mary’s side since a January move, having scored four in the Premier League despite relegation.

Alcaraz then netted the equaliser in pre-season versus Goztepe and has been looking to add more but so far unable to do so.

Martin assessed Alcaraz’s performance in the 0-1 defeat to AZ Alkmaar, in which he attempted four shots from range and tested goalkeeper Mat Ryan with one.

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Speaking to the Daily Echo, he said: “I think he’s great, I think he’s a great player.

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“He shot twice when he probably should have passed to other players but we’ll go through that when we do his individual analysis of the game.

"He’s going to score a lot and assist a lot in those moments but it’s about selecting the right choice – he’s a fantastic player and picking up the information well.”

The youngster is admired by clubs in England and in Europe but Saints hope he will stay despite relegation to the Championship.

Martin continued: “He doesn’t speak the language and that’s something he needs to work on, and I need to work on my Spanish for him. It’s going alright and the club doctor is helping a lot.

“I thought he played really well and I don’t think goals are going to be a problem. We need to just not concede a goal like we did against AZ Alkmaar.”