Former Japan striker Tadanari Lee played in his first competitive game of the season Tuesday as Southampton overcame third-tier Bristol City 2-0 at home in the third round of the English League Cup.
Lee was making his first appearance since January, having spent time on loan back in Japan at FC Tokyo. Although he failed to find the target, Lee earned praise from Southampton's first-team assistant manager Jesus Perez for a "dynamic" performance.
"He did very well," Perez said of Lee's showing. "We were speaking on the bench about his performance, especially in the first half where he was very dynamic.
"He played not only as a forward but he tried to help the team link up by playing as a winger and in between the lines, so we are really happy with his performance."
Lee, who played until the 73rd minute, was also pleased with the way he played.
"This is a performance I can build on," said Japan's 2011 Asian Cup hero. "A goal would have made it perfect but I think over the course of the game I did well."