Southampton manager Claude Puel has claimed that new signing Nathan Redmond boasts a number of similarities to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry.

Henry is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Premier League history having scored 228 goals over two spells for the Gunners, while he also worked with Puel at Monaco during the early stages of his career.

The new Saints boss believes that Redmond has a number of similar attributes to the former France international, and hinted that he would look to use the winger in a more central role than he is used to.

"It is two men with the same possibilities, quick, a good ability in the technical and the run also. I see similarities between the two with this ability to shoot with the right foot and to curl the ball," he told reporters.

"[Redmond] has this particularly, and he feels too the play and he can make a combination with his partner and can dribble also and make the difference for me. [He's] a very good player and a very good surprise to find this player at this level.

"I can see a player with all these qualities, and all these qualities in front of the goal also, so it's for me a pity to leave him out wide. It's important I think to put this player on the better position for him and we will see in the future in the games he can play in this position with good talent."

Puel will take charge of his first competitive match as Southampton manager at home to Watford on Saturday.