Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has praised his successor at Southampton, Ronald Koeman, for his impressive debut season at St. Mary's Stadium.

The Saints finished eighth under the Argentine last season and are almost certain of improving their position this season under Koeman who took over last summer.

"We finished last season eighth in the table," said Pochettino.

"We played very well and it was the end of the project of five years with Nicola Cortesi and we stabilised the club in the Premier League and top 10 and I'm very happy.

"But Koeman has continued to develop the project - a new project - and has done a fantastic job and he deserves the prizes.

"It is always difficult when you arrive at a new club. For that Koeman deserves all credit for a fantastic season and a great job." Southampton will face Tottenham on Saturday at St. Mary's Stadium.