Wednesday 15 October 2014 12:24, UK
Graziano Pelle's call-up to the Italian national side was a long time overdue, according to Feyenoord official Gido Vader.
Pelle, who moved to Southampton from the Rotterdam-based outfit in the summer, scored on his international debut in Italy’s 1-0 win over Malta on Monday.
After the game, Pelle admitted his surprise at being overlooked at international level by former Italy boss Cesare Prandelli and Vader is in total agreement with the former Feyenoord hitman.
"I’m sure Graziano will continue to do great things and I am really happy for him,” Vader told Sky Sports.
"It’s great that he’s now getting what he deserves by scoring on his debut against Italy this week.
"I also happen to think (just like he does) that he should have got his debut long before that but who am I to talk about Italy, they have such a great history in football."
Vader is not surprised at the impact Pelle has made on the south coast with Southampton and insists the 29-year-old is a player that has the ability to lift a team.
"He has the capability to make a team play better because you know if you give him the ball it will not come back straightaway," Vader said. "He will make time and space for the team and he is always focused on the goal.
"With him up front, you can have the whole team play better. You can have the midfielders move up the pitch and you can have the wingers looking for space and I think that’s his best quality - he can make the whole team play better."
Vader added: "Graziano really clicked at Feyenoord and was not only a great player but an icon. He really lifted the team on his shoulders as John Guidetti who came on loan from Manchester City had done the year before.
"I’m very happy he has kept on scoring in the Premier League in England and was particularly happy to see the great bicycle kick he scored (against QPR) recently."
