Speedster Eljero Elia Making Quick Southampton Impression

After making his Premier League debut in Southampton's 1-0 win at Old Trafford last Sunday, January loan acquisition Eljero Elia was keen to continue his positive start in the English top-flight with three points from Saturday's contest at Newcastle United.

"We need to defend very well and then with good action in front we have to try to win the game," he told Saints' official website on Friday.

His words, as it turned out, were prophetic.

On the back foot for much of the match at St. James' Park, Southampton nevertheless prevailed thanks to a pair of goals from Elia himself.

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Elia goal for Southampton. Should Krul do better? https://t.co/fO9Fi7AT4M

— 138.com (@138dotcom) January 17, 2015"

The first, which came firmly against the run of play, opened the scoring in the 14th minute when the Dutchman accepted James Ward-Prowse's accurate pass before slipping the ball between goalkeeper Tim Krul's legs.

Then, with the scoreline level as the hour-mark came and went, he completed his brace after being sprung by Shane Long and having his shot deflected by Daryl Janmaat.

Two shots, two goals and a vital role in a key victory for the third-place side—Elia's night could not have gone better. He even lent a hand on the defensive side of the ball and, according to Squawka, successfully tackled Vurnon Anita, Remy Cabella and Janmaat (twice) during his 82 minutes of action.

Dealt to Southampton by Werder Bremen on January 3, he will be out of contract at season's end and is in every way auditioning for Saints to pick up the option on his pact. A few more reprises of Saturday's display and he could well find a permanent home at St. Mary's, where manager Ronald Koeman is confident of helping him find consistent form.

Since starring at Twente, representing the Netherlands at the 2010 World Cup and enjoying a season of modest success in his first campaign with Hamburg, Elia has struggled with the expectations imposed by his early years in Dutch football and has often been criticised for being too one-dimensional—even a one-trick pony.

That trick, however, is speed to burn, and on Saturday, he made exceptional use of it on both his goals.

"I knew the player and I asked myself a lot of times what has happened, because he played in the World Cup final," remarked Koeman after the 2-1 win, as per the BBC. "First the system of the team is important," he added. "How he played today is the best. Also, every player needs the confidence of the coach. Maybe he was lacking the rhythm of the game but his answer today was fantastic."

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Eljero Elia paying back Ronald Koeman for his faith. Winger could revitalize his career at Southampton pic.twitter.com/n8U2ETnMML

— Dutch Football (@football_oranje) January 17, 2015"

Elia's addition to the Southampton squad could be even more significant than first thought, given the various absences and knocks that have limited Koeman's options in recent matches.

Sadio Mane and Emmanuel Mayuka are currently at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Maya Yoshida is pursuing a second Asian Cup winner's medal. And none of Toby Alderweireld, Sam Gallagher, Jay Rodriguez, Morgan Schneiderlin and Victor Wanyama were available on Saturday through injury.

Their absences, however, opened the door for Elia, and needless to say, he took his chance. Southampton have an additional three points because of him, and when the numbers are counted at the end of the season, those points could prove crucial in the club's attempt to qualify for the Champions League.

Of course, Elia could still be flattering to deceive, as he has done often over the course of his career. That's the worst-case scenario, and in the context of a loan deal, it's one with minimal risk.

Conversely, he could provide a few more match-winning performances and have his contract option accepted. Based on Saturday's showing, it's at least a possibility.