Southampton boss Ronald Koeman is delighted with the current form of Victor Wanyama.
The Kenya international has stepped in for the injured Morgan Schneiderlin.
Koeman said: "He is an important player. In the beginning he did it well and it was difficult for him because he had a different pre-season than the rest of the players because he had to play for the national team of Kenya, but little by little he is taking his place in the team.
"He's very strong. He wins his battle in midfield, he scores goals and that's the difference between now and last season.
"If Morgan is not in the midfield still he is more important because they have a good relation, they are connecting well in midfield and Victor is maybe the most strongest, physical midfielder what we have in our team.
"He's doing well, he's a good professional and I'm happy to have him in our team."
