Former Southampton and England man, Carlton Palmer has praised Russell Martin for his decision to play Charly Alcaraz.
Palmer played for the Saints back in 1997 and made over 40 appearances for the club.
He signed for the club for £1 million and was often praised for his gritty determination in the midfield.
Discussing Alcaraz was the the first thing that Palmer discussed when thinking about the Saints.
The Argentine started as a forward against Leeds United, as opposed to his regular midfield role.
What has Carlton Palmer said about Martin and Alcaraz?
Palmer was full of praise for the Saints boss: “Russell Martin made an inspired move playing Alcaraz, restoring him to the team as a number-nine against Leeds.”
Alcaraz had been struggling according to his manager, but was back in the starting eleven.
The praise continued for Martin: “It was a stroke of genius, knowing that Alcaraz is an intelligent footballer.
“Knowing that he’s an attacking player and deploying him further up the park as a centre-forward.
The decision to play him further forward suited him, Palmer thought: “Defensively, he’s not that strong, but he didn’t expose them.
“It allows him to play to his strengths and get into positions to hurt the opposition higher up the pitch.”
It was a clear decision that worked in favour of Martin and Southampton and maybe it is a tactic that will serve well moving forward.