Redmond has been converted to the role by manager Claude Puel.
Southampton’s Nathan Redmond celebrates scoring their first goal
Southampton forward Nathan Redmond has said he had to adapt and learn his new role as a forward or have to sit on the sidelines, the Daily Echo reports.
Redmond was signed from Norwich City during the summer, and was known for operating more as a winger but under Claude Puel, he has been converted into a more orthodox forward as he has been accommodated into the manager’s 4-4-2 diamond system.
The 22-year-old showed his growing confidence in front of goal at the weekend as he capitalised on an error from Manchester City’s John Stones to round Claudio Bravo and give the Saints the lead in their 1-1 draw at the Etihad Stadium.
Southampton manager Claude Puel celebrates after Nathan Redmond (not pictured) scores their first goal
Redmond is quoted in the Daily Echo, saying: “It’s just about remaining cool and composed with pressure on me. I’m only going to get better at that.
“He [Puel] made it clear he wasn’t going to play with wide players, but he also made it clear that he’d watched me before and seen me play, so he knew I had the potential to play there [up front].
“It was either adapt and learn or sit on the sidelines, and I’m never going to shy away from a challenge.”
Southampton’s Nathan Redmond scores their first goal
Redmond has so far scored three goals this season, averaging a goal every four games at the moment. It might not be the most striking of rates but he has demonstrated that he can carry a significant threat while still learning the role.
His pace can stretch defences and he has shown he can press opposition back lines well. He has shown a very good attitude by taking up the challenge of learning a more central role, and it looks as if it’s going to be advantageous to everybody involved.
Southampton’s Nathan Redmond celebrates scoring their first goal
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