BOSS Ralph Hasenhuttl said rising Saints star Nathan Tella “can be a threat for every defending team” after he ran Sheffield United ragged during the first half at Bramall Lane.

The 21-year-old was a menace for the Blades’ defenders, having made his second top-flight start for Saints in their 2-0 victory in south Yorkshire.

Tella was brought down in the box by United defender Ethan Ampadu, having burst into the area to run on to a ball from deep against the Blades during the opening half.

James Ward-Prowse slotted in the resulting spot-kick to go with Che Adams’s second-half strike.

The Stevenage born star was eventually substituted in place of Nathan Redmond after 77 minutes of a much-needed win for Hasenhuttl’s men.

Speaking about Tella post-match, Hasenhuttl said: “I was always convinced about this guy.

“He is for me at the moment, the most interesting player of our youth. Today he showed it.

“I know he can be a threat for every defending team because he’s quick, he’s going for every ball, he’s also calm on the ball sometimes – he can still be a little bit calmer in some moments.

“He had a good chance when he takes two touches and he can score immediately in the beginning.

“He’s never nervous, he’s not too arrogant. He has a good mixture of enjoying what he’s doing and staying calm on the pitch – this is good.”

Tella was named up front for Saints during the encounter, partnering Danny Ings before he was forced off after 13 minutes through injury.

Asked whether he saw the former Arsenal youngster as a striker or a number 10, Hasenhuttl replied: “When you see our shape, we are so flexible in the front four players, you have to have all the qualities to be dangerous and I think he showed this again.

“He can also sometimes take the balls from the 10 and travel in front.

“What I like the most is his effort against the ball because he’s always sprinting – he’s immediately giving pressure and this is very good.”