Onuachu: Saints banking on ‘unique’ qualities for Premier League battle

Published on by Andrew Randa

Southampton coach Russell Martin has confirmed that Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu has recovered from injury and will be available for their clash against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

The Super Eagles forward made his first appearance of the season in last month’s 3-2 loss to Liverpool, but had to leave the match prematrurely due to injury.

The setback sidelined him for three weeks, but Martin is excited about the striker's return, telling the cliub's official website, “Paul gives us a real alternative option that's different to anyone in the squad—and most people in the league, actually.”

Onuachu: Saints banking on 'unique' qualities for Premier League battle
Photo by IMAGO

At 30 years old and towering at 6’6, Onuachu brings a unique dynamic to the Southampton attack, which boasts relatively diminutive players like Cameron Archer, Adam Armstrong, and Ross Stewart.

Where does Onuachu rank among Premier League giants?

His eye-catching appearance against Liverpool showcased his potential to impact games with his combination of technical skill and physical presence.

Onuachu’s aerial dominance was a particular highlight, as Liverpool’s defenders struggled to handle his height and leap.

His ability to win headers and hold up play gives Southampton a vital alternative in their attacking arsenal.

Onuachu: Saints banking on 'unique' qualities for Premier League battle
Photo by IMAGO

Standing at 201 cm, Paul Onuachu is one of the tallest players in the Premier League for the 2024/25 season.

According to league statistics, he ranks as the joint-third tallest player in the competition and is the only forward in the top five—a group dominated by goalkeepers and defenders.

Top five tallest players in the English Premier League

  1. Lucas Bergstrom (Chelsea) – 205 cm
  2. Carlos Miguel (Nottingham Forest) – 204 cm
  3. Dan Burn (Newcastle) – 201 cm
  4. Fraser Forster (Tottenham Hotspur) – 201 cm
  5. Paul Onuachu (Southampton) – 201 cm
Onuachu: Saints banking on ‘unique’ qualities for Premier League battle

Andrew Randa

Andrew Randa is a veteran Nigerian sports journalist with over 20 years of experience covering the beautiful game across Africa. Andrew served as a Media Officer for Nigeria's U-20 Men's National Team for three years, offering a unique perspective on the future stars of Nigerian football.

Beyond reporting, Andrew is a pioneer in sports graphics creation within Nigeria. His expertise extends to sports kit design, making him a true multi-faceted talent in the African sports landscape.

Andrew's experience is vast, with collaborations encompassing prestigious names like Kickoff, SuperSport, the NFF (Nigeria Football Federation), and the NPFL (Nigeria Professional Football League)