There is no greater advert for the transformative impact of Simo Valakari on St Johnstone than Sven Sprangler.
The midfielder’s Perth career has been revived beyond recognition since the Finnish coach was appointed.
Sprangler attributes this, in part, to the attentive one-on-one talks Valakari routinely enjoys with players.
Those sessions have been aimed at tweaking and teasing individual improvements while Valakari beds in his new playing style.
In the case of Sprangler, detailed discussions have helped him become much more than a combative midfield enforcer.
The 29-year-old has shouldered responsibility in his holding role to be a focal point of starting attacks, too, starting every game since Craig Levein’s sacking.
The Austrian was halfway to the exit door with Levein in charge, despite having signed a new contract in the summer.
Sprangler says he’s loving his learning curve and is intent on repaying the faith shown in talents that were hidden away at the outset of the season.
He said: “The manager has made a huge difference. Not just for me but all of the lads.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute since he came here and I love playing under him.
“He is talking with everyone individually; we are watching many clips individually on the areas to improve after every game.
“When you know you can learn so much – and he shows you where you can improve – that can help a lot.
“He shows me where I have to be in and out of possession. That helps me be a lot to be calmer on the ball, to make the right decisions.
“And to be more aggressive off the ball. We’re more offensively-shaped, creating more chances and have more possession.
“It was nice to hear him say he’s glad that I stayed. I’m so grateful that he gave me the chance to play.
“I don’t take that for granted. I love because I get the minutes, I’m fit and feeling very comfortable.
“The role suits me perfectly but there is still much room to improve on.”
Sprangler was withdrawn by Valakari on 67 minutes last Sunday, shortly after Rangers stole ahead at McDiarmid Park.
Yet this was purely to avoid the perils of a potential second yellow card.
Sprangler, who was booked in the first half by Steven McLean, revealed the referee did him a favour as he flirted with more fouls.
He said: “The referee told me: Sven, be careful because another foul and you get another yellow card.
“I was more careful after that but I was scared when I did a foul. The right decision was to come off.
“One more foul, I’d have got a second yellow and I’d be out for the game.
“Playing against one of the best teams in the league you have to be very careful.
“I’m different than 10 years ago. I would’ve stayed more aggressive back then but now I am calmer and smarter.”
Sprangler played the full 90 minutes twice at Pittodrie last season as Saints secured four points from league meetings away to Aberdeen.
But he cautioned: “Aberdeen is very different to last season; they’ve been in very good form. I’m looking forward to playing there. It’s always a good fight.”
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