Onuachu vs Franculino: 2 areas Nigeria star must improve to reclaim Trabzonspor starting spot

Super Eagles forward Paul Onuachu faces a fight to reclaim his starting spot at Trabzonspor after struggling to maintain the form that made him one of the Turkish club’s most important players last season.

The Nigerian striker was a key figure for Trabzonspor last term, scoring regularly and helping the team with his goals and physical presence in attack and his performances earned him the Turkish Golden Boot award and made him one of the league’s most prolific forwards.

However, Onuachu has struggled to reproduce that form this season, leaving him under pressure to rediscover his scoring touch.

The arrival of Franculino Dju has made the situation more difficult for the Super Eacles striker. The Guinea-Bissau forward has impressed with his performances and has given Trabzonspor another option in the final third, increasing the competition for a starting place.

With Franculino showing good form, Onuachu must raise his level if he wants to return to the starting XI. The Nigerian striker is also currently injured and will need to regain full fitness before he can make a serious push for his place.

Two areas Onuachu must improve to reclaim starting spot at Trabzonspor

1. Onuachu must rediscover goalscoring form

The first area Onuachu must improve is his goalscoring, which was one of his biggest strengths last season.

The Super Eagles forward enjoyed an impressive campaign, finding the net consistently and proving how valuable he could be to Trabzonspor. His ability to use his height, win aerial duels and finish chances made him a major threat to opposing defenders.

However, he has struggled to maintain that level this season, with his goal return falling short of what he managed last term.

Onuachu must rediscover his scoring touch if he wants to regain his place in the starting XI. As a centre-forward, his primary responsibility is to convert chances and give Trabzonspor a reliable source of goals.

He will need to improve his movement inside the box, position himself better to receive crosses and make the most of the opportunities created by his teammates.

Franculino’s good form also means Onuachu cannot afford to take too long to get back among the goals.

However, Onuachu is currently injured, so his immediate priority will be to recover fully and return to action. Once fit, he must use his opportunities to show that he can still deliver the goals Trabzonspor need.

2. The Nigerian forward must improve link-up play with teammates

Another area Onuachu must improve is his link-up play, especially when connecting with his teammates in the final third.

Although his height and physical strength make him an effective target man, he must also show that he can contribute to the team’s attacking play beyond scoring goals.

Franculino offers a different profile, with his pace, movement and ability to combine with teammates making him a threat in attacking transitions. His willingness to move into spaces and link up with players around him can help Trabzonspor move the ball forward quickly and create openings in the opposition’s defence.

That gives the club another dimension in attack and puts additional pressure on Onuachu to show what he can offer beyond his goalscoring ability.

The Super Eagles forward must improve how he holds up the ball, brings his teammates into play and combines with the wingers and attacking midfielder and be must use his physicality more effectively to help Trabzonspor sustain attacks and create chances for his teammates.

If Onuachu can regain his fitness and rediscover his goalscoring form, he will have a stronger case to reclaim his starting spot at Trabzonspor.