Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl was pleased with Ibrahima Diallo for their 0-0 draw with Fulham.
For the first time, Diallo played 90 minutes in west London, having come in for the suspended Oriol Romeu.
Assessing the former Brest man's display, the manager said: “Against the ball he was good, aggressive, had a lot of ball wins.
“With the ball, maybe not always the best decisions so far – he could not often play in front – but it was not necessary.
“I think to be a little bit more safe, not too much risk was absolutely the right decision. It's not so easy to play here, it's a tight pitch – not a lot of space here.
“You've seen it, that it's more of a pitch for pressing, not so much for playing football and it makes it so difficult to create chances, to come here."
Diallo had previously started for the club's B team in Premier League Two before making the step up to face the Cottagers.
“The first half you saw him having a good few fights against their sixes. They are also strong," the boss said.
“I am happy that I have him here and he will make a lot of games for us, this is for sure."
