The wide player has been playing as a striker for Claude Puel this season.
Southampton’s Nathan Redmond reacts
Southampton have undergone many a change in the their last few seasons.
This year under new boss Claude Puel, by the far the biggest has been the Frenchman’s decision to move Nathan Redmond into a striking role. But has the winger made any real impact up front?
In pre-season, The Saints’ new boss Puel raised more than a few eyebrows when he trialled summer signing Redmond in a more central position, eventually pushing into a forward role with Shane Long.
Redmond had been more used to a wide role at his two previous clubs
The former Birmingham City and Norwich City man has been deployed more naturally on the flanks in the past, but following his manager’s comments comparing Redmond to Thierry Henry, Puel clearly sees something special.
Having played two seasons in the Premier League, Redmond has scored seven top-flight goals with seven assists.
Scoring on his league debut versus Watford at St. Marys in the season curtain-raiser, the 22 year-old old has failed to assist or add to his tally in six games. That belies the true story of Redmond’s contribution however.
Playing every minute of the season thus far, Puel would appear to agree. Redmond’s partner has rotated during the early part of the season, but most vitally Dusan Tadic’s impact has been felt in the attacking third, in the number 10 role.
Redmond has been guilty of squandering chances, particular versus Swansea City, when he missed a half open goal. His shot accuracy of 44% as per Squawka backs that up.
Southampton’s Nathan Redmond misses a chance to score
In contrast, the forward’s 89% average pass success rate is second only to midfield general Pierre-Emile Højbjerg with 91. That points rather more to his penchant to slip back at times and link up the play across final third, which is an indispensable asset for his side.
Redmond may have also struggled for goals but in an area of the pitch largely alien to him, a period of adaptation must be afforded. The England U21 man is nevertheless finding the key areas to operate in.
Furthermore, the winger-cum-forward still has a huge wealth of pace in his locker. Not only can he utilise it to his end, but his movement has opened up the the middle of the park for his team, as The Saints become more of a counter-attacking unit.
With Southampton on an unbeaten run domestically – now stretching to three games – and keeping the opposition out, Claude Puel is lijkely to remain loyal to his system of 4-3-1-2, with Redmond as a pivotal cog.
Charlie Austin is knocking on the door of a regular starting berth
If goals dry up and results turn however, then we may see change. With Charlie Austin showing glimpses of his prolific best, will Puel pair Long and Austin up front together?
The question remains then does Redmond drop back to the wing, or out of the set-up all together? Time will tell.
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