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Cape Town - Southampton legend Matt Le Tissier was impressed with academy graduate Josh Sims' full Premier League debut against Everton at St Mary's.
The Saints picked up a 1-0 win over the Toffees on Ronald Koeman's return to the south coast, with Sims grabbing an assist for Charlie Austin's first-half strike - which subsequently caused a social media outcry because of the Dutchman's comments last year.
Koeman said in an interview that the club's academy lacked talent good enough for the Premier League standard, something Le Tissier feels has come to '"bite him on the backside".
He told ESPN of Sims: "I thought it was a brilliant debut, I was really impressed with him.
"Had Ronald Koeman still been at the club he probably wouldn't have had that chance, because Ronald wasn't overly keen on getting the youngsters involved.
"But current manager Claude Puel obviously liked what he saw, and it's great for the other youngsters knowing this manager will give you a chance.
"About a year ago Ronald went for the academy a little bit which was a strange thing to do, I thought, especially given what the club has produced over the last few years.
"It was a strange thing to say and it came back to bite him on the backside I'm afraid."
Le Tissier spent his entire career at St Mary's and is regarded as one of the club's greatest ever players, with his specialty being a scorer of absolutely stunning goals.
The genius that is Matt le Tissier scored some amazing goals [via @90sfootball]. #TBT pic.twitter.com/XoiijGAAc0
— Deji Kofi Faremi (@deejayfaremi) August 18, 2016
