Valakari impressed by 'well-coached' Motherwell
Askou's team went unbeaten as they topped their Premier Sports Cup group before opening their Premiership campaign with two draws – at home to Rangers then away at St Mirren.
Valakari said: "I saw them last weekend playing St Mirren away. There are not many more difficult places to play than St Mirren and Motherwell controlled 60 minutes, passing, playing around the opponent and creating chances. I was very impressed.
"It tells me Motherwell are a very well-coached team.
"They had over 600 passes against one of the hardest teams in the Premiership and people say we pass a lot - we had about 400 passes against Ross County or Partick Thistle."
Following their relegation to the Championship, St Johnstone have been in impressive form with six wins from six games.
"I don't know if Motherwell will rotate but for us, as always, it is a test to see where we are and then I know what we are now and how we will improve in the future," Valakari said.
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