Denmark thrashed the Republic of Ireland 5-1 in the second leg of their 2018 World Cup play-off in Dublin on Tuesday night to secure their spot in Russia next summer, and the performance of winger Pione Sisto would have caught the attention of a number of clubs.

The Celta Vigo forward picked up two assists and was just a general nuisance to the Ireland defence throughout on what was just his 10th cap, and had it not been for Christian Eriksen's hat-trick he would probably have picked up the man of the match award.

The 22-year-old has certainly made big strides in recent years having moved to La Liga from FC Midtjylland in 2016, with Southampton well aware of his talents having come up against him in their defeat to the Danish outfit over two legs in the Europa League qualifying rounds in 2015.

Saints boss Mauricio Pochettino will be looking to strengthen his attacking options during the January transfer window with his team netting just nine goals in their 11 Premier League matches so far this term, and bringing in the wide man would certainly prove to be a shrewd move.

Here are three reasons Southampton should make Sisto their top January target…

Goals and assists

Saints need a big boost in terms of goals and assists if they find the net on more occasions, and Sisto has proven during his time with FC Midtjylland and Celta Vigo that he can set up his teammates and provide a real goal threat from out wide.

As well as his two assists for Denmark on Tuesday, the 22-year-old has registered eight in 11 La Liga appearances this term, scoring twice.

The Ugandan-born forward has scored eight goals and provided a further 12 assists in 60 outings in total for Celta, while he netted 31 times and registered 11 assists in 112 appearances for Midtjylland previously.

Pace

Aside from perhaps the likes of Shane Long and Nathan Redmond, Southampton don't really have a great deal of pace among their attacking players and that certainly isn't helping them trying to become more fruitful in front of goal.

Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino should be looking for players who are direct, unpredictable and cause opposition defenders problems with their speed in January, and Sisto would certainly come under that category.

The 22-year-old loves to dribble and according to Squawka, he has successfully completed 19 of the 39 take-ons he has attempted in 11 La Liga appearances this season, as well as winning an impressive 28 fouls.

Potential

Soccer Football - 2018 World Cup Qualifications - Europe - Republic of Ireland vs Denmark - Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Republic of Ireland - November 14, 2017   Denmark's Pione Sisto in action with Republic of Ireland’s Shane Duffy    Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith

Southampton have never replaced Sadio Mane following his departure to Liverpool in the summer of 2016, and their attacking play has taken a huge hit over the last 15 months as a result.

They don't have that unpredictable, pacy forward who can make a real difference in the final third with goals and assists, but Sisto looks to have the quality to do exactly that.

The 22-year-old is still young and improving but his showings this season prove the huge potential he has, and Saints have shown in the last few years just how good they can be at harbouring that talent and giving players a platform to express themselves on.

Do you agree, Saints fans? Let us know below.