Rafa Benitez wants Newcastle United to improve the quality in the final third for Salomon Rondon by creating "better chances" for the number 9.
The Toon manager is concerned that Rondon is not getting the ball in the right areas to maximise his threat in attack.
In United's last home game Rondon had five shots on goal but not all of them were presentable opportunities and Benitez wants to see his side increase his quota of chances.
Former Newcastle stars like Andy Cole and Alan Shearer often needed just one chance to get on the scoresheet but Benitez feels his side have to work hard to provide the same silver service those former marksmen enjoyed.
He told the Chronicle: "Then you are talking about the best players in the Premier League and Alan Shearer was here and was the best ever.
"We just have to make sure we create more chances for him ( Rondon ) to do well.
"Also, it depends on your team - Manchester United (for Andy Cole) would create more chances than anyone.
"It is also the type of chances you create.
"For a striker, it's not just about making a cross or a pass and it's easy, we have to make sure we do something more for offensive players to get better chances.
"For us, it is always the same - the short blanket.
"We have to defend well first, then do both things at the same time (defend and attack).
"Some games we can do it but not every game."
Newcastle go into the Southampton game knowing that a victory will rubber-stamp their place in the top-flight next season.
Benitez feels his team are capable of serving up an attacking display despite having a reputation for playing ultra defensive tactics.
He said: "We try to focus on different things.
"Against Crystal Palace we were attacking, we played five at the back but it can look like three.
"At Leicester, we knew they would be pushing and have pace and ability.
"When they have a player like Jamie Vardy that has pace and can run behind your defenders you can't be too high.
"You have to manage space.
"You need bodies back and if you do that how can you be a threat in the final third?
"This is the balance we look for.
"Miguel Almiron gives us runs behind defenders and we defend and link with him.
"That makes a big difference for a game plan for a while."
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