Southampton manager Ivan Juric has expressed huge confidence in Paul Onuachu, despite the Nigerian striker’s ongoing goal drought.
Following Southampton’s narrow 1-0 defeat to West Ham United on Boxing Day, Juric insisted Onuachu has what it takes to deliver at least 20 goals in Premier League, Footballrover reports.
Can Paul Onuachu break his Premier League drought?
The Super Eagles star arrived at Southampton in January 2023 with a remarkable reputation as a prolific goalscorer.
During his time at FC Midtjylland, Racing Genk, and a loan stint at Trabzonspor, he amassed 192 goal involvements, including 159 goals.
Onuachu also tallied 20 goals every year in Belgium and continued his scoring streak in Turkey.
However, replicating that success in England has proven elusive, with the striker failing to score in 22 matches across all competitions.
Juric highlighted Onuachu’s aerial dominance and ability to hold up play as key strengths that could help him thrive in the Premier League.
He emphasised that Onuachu’s qualities suit certain types of games.
Despite acknowledging the challenges of adapting to the intensity of English football, Juric remains confident that Onuachu can end his goal drought and potentially deliver 20 goals in Premier League.
“Onuachu scored goals in Belgium every year, 20 goals. In Turkey, it’s the same thing. It’s not the same thing playing in Turkey and Belgium compared to England.
“But it’s not one year that he scored 20 goals. I believe that he can do it. What I saw in these training sessions, he has his own characteristics.
“Long ball, keep the ball, the head is strong. It’s normal that he’s not the fastest player in the world, but in some games, I think he can do it well,” Juric said as quoted by Daily Echo.
Opportunities missed against West Ham
During the clash with West Ham at St Mary’s Stadium, Onuachu showed glimpses of his capabilities but failed to convert opportunities.
His headers either went wide or were denied by the goalkeeper. Southampton ultimately paid the price, with Jarrod Bowen scoring the only goal of the game for the visitors.
What’s next for Onuachu?
With Cameron Archer waiting in the wings, Onuachu’s starting spot is under threat. Juric has hinted at the possibility of rotating strikers in upcoming matches.
But then, the Southampton boss’s confidence in Paul Onuachu’s ability to replicate his past scoring feats suggests the Nigerian could soon rediscover his form and become a dominant force in the Premier League.
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