Claude Puel has made a good start to life as Southampton manager following the departure of Ronald Koeman in the summer.

The Frenchman, despite not winning any of his first four league games, is currently overseeing a six-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, which includes impressive wins over West Ham and Crystal Palace.

The Saints have also started well in the Europa League – the first time they’ve been in the group stage of the competition – thanks to a comfortable win over Sparta Prague and a solid draw away at Hapoel Be’er Sheva.

Combining both domestic and European football is going to be a tough ask for Puel’s side this season, as they look to build upon last year’s sixth place finish in the Premier League.

Consequently, Puel may be looking at where he can reinforce his side when the transfer window reopens in January.

Here are THREE things he needs to improve in the New Year…

Midfield strength

With the way Southampton play, very much on the front foot and dominating possession, the amount of games is going to take its toll on the midfield players.

Oriol Romeu came to the club last year and has made a big difference in the centre of midfield, and this summer’s signing Pierre-Emile Hojberg has also done well.

But they are not going to be able to keep playing at a high level all season, and the departure of Victor Wanyama to Tottenham hardly helps. They will have tricky spells, and that’s where Puel needs the strength in depth to keep Southampton competitive on all fronts.

They’ve reportedly joined the race for defensive midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko in recent weeks, so Puel clearly realises that it’s an area that needs some reinforcing for the rest of the season.

Creativity in final third

The Saints haven’t found the net too many times this season, and their tally of seven is the least of any side in the top 12.

As a result, Puel may consider bringing in more creativity to help in the final third.

Nathan Redmond and Dusan Tadic are excellent forward-thinking players, who benefit the game styles of Charlie Austin and Shane Long, but it wouldn’t harm to add even more energy to that attacking quartet.

Winger Hatem Ben Arfa has been linked with a reunion with boss Puel in January, having worked together at Nice last season, and he’s proved in the past what a threat he can be in English football.

Developing young talent

The various different competitions are likely to give Puel the chance to start younger players, as was evidenced by Jake Hesketh’s presence in their EFL Cup win against Crystal Palace and their Europa League match in Israel.

Southampton have always been a club who are willing to give youngsters a chance, and they’ve reaped the rewards in recent years, with the likes of Adam Lallana, and Luke Shaw moving on for big money.

There’s a lot of exciting talent in the academy ranks, and Puel may look to bring in one or two in a bid to give them a taste of first team football.