Tenacious Southampton leader receives big acknowledgment from Southampton legend | OneFootball

Southampton defender Welington has been solid since his debut. Naturally, praises have flowed in, but the most recent one from Saints icon Francis Benali would surely surprise you.

Assume I asked you about Southampton's best winter signing a week before. What would've been your reply?

Now, unless you lie, it wouldn't have been Welington, that's for sure. Definitely not after the left-back's addition was criticized by club icon Francis Bernali.

But the way the 23-year-old has stepped up has left everyone surprised. Within a matter of games, Welington looks like one of the best defenders already on Ivan Juric's side.

Especially, his recent performance against Burnley stood out for every Saints fan. Despite being out of position, Welington played brilliantly both defensive and offensive, being the best Saints player that night.

Aptly, the Brazilian prodigy has been receiving applause all around.

But, you know whose appreciation feels the best? The one who criticized you before. Remarkably, in his short Saints career only, Welington has achieved this feat.

Though quite critical of left-backs, legend Francis Benali has been won over by the Brazilian talent.

Tenacious Southampton leader receives big acknowledgment from Southampton legend

In his guest column in the Daily Echo, Benali wrote highly of Welington, mentioning: "I have been thoroughly impressed with Welington's early performances."

Still, having made a huge switch from Brazil to the fast-paced Premier League, Welington has a scope for improvement.

In the recent game against Burnley only, the makeshift defender could be called off a blunder. Similar to defensive mates, Welington stood poorly positioned as well, unable to halt Burnley's winner.

But for now, he has done enough to be in the good books for Benali, who wrote on the game, mentioning: "Although we lost, and Welington's positioning could be called into question for Burnley's winner, I was again impressed by our new defender."