'He's a different beast' - Southampton coach heaps praise on Super Eagles star

'He's a different beast' - Southampton coach heaps praise on Super Eagles star

Hassan Abdulsalam 21:57 - 11.08.2024

The Nigerian international's newly discovered form has attracted praise from his manager.

Southampton coach Russell Martin has expressed his surprise and delight at the improved form of Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu during pre-season training.

Onuachu joined the Saints in January 2023 from KRC Genk but struggled to adapt to the Premier League, failing to score in his 11 appearances, before a loan move in the 2023/24 season to Turkish outfit Trabzonspor.

However, upon returning to Southampton for pre-season, Onuachu has displayed a marked improvement in form, impressing Martin with his work ethic and performance.

"I just think he's different to what we have. He's trained well. He's a different Paul to the one I came across last season in terms of confidence. I think the last pre-season was so difficult for so many of them," Martin told the Daily Echo.

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Martin acknowledged the challenges faced by Onuachu and other January signings who didn't have a full pre-season to acclimatise to the Premier League.

"They hadn't had a chance in the Premier League or they'd come in January and not taken to it that well," he explained.

However, Martin is encouraged by Onuachu's renewed confidence and work ethic. "This summer he's a different beast and whilst he's here, same as Kyle Walker-Peters, we will try and utilise him," Martin concluded.

Nigerian striker Paul Onuachu | Imago

Onuachu's future with Southampton remains uncertain, but his impressive pre-season performances might just have opened the door for a potential role at the club.

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