New Southampton manager Ivan Juric has expressed strong belief in Paul Onuachu's ability to rediscover his goal-scoring form, despite concerns over his pace.
The burly Nigeria striker was handed a starting spot by Juric in Southampton's 1-0 home defeat to West Ham on Boxing Day.
Onuachu squandered multiple opportunities to score his first goal for Southampton. He was denied twice by goalkeeper Lukas Fabianski, who was later stretchered off, and then missed additional chances in the second half.
Reflecting on the striker's impressive track record in Belgium and Turkey, Juric praised Onuachu's unique strengths, such as his aerial prowess and ability to hold up the ball.
Juric confident in Onuachu’s potential despite missed chances
Speaking to Daily Echo, Juric said, “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.
“In other games, maybe it’s better to play with Archer or with another one (upfront).”
The Super Eagles forward has now gone 22 matches across all competitions without scoring since joining Southampton in January 2023.
Onuachu arrived in English football with an impressive reputation as a proven goal scorer in Belgium with KRC Genk, having netted 84 goals in 134 appearances. However, he has struggled to replicate that form with Southampton.
During the previous season, Onuachu was loaned to Turkish side Trabzonspor, where he enjoyed a more prolific spell, contributing to 21 goals in 25 matches, scoring 17 goals and providing four assists.
