Russell Martin took over the reins at Southampton in the summer, entrusted with the mission of guiding the club back to the Premier League while implementing an attractive and attacking style of play, which he had previously demonstrated during his tenure at Swansea City.
Southampton, with its greater resources, hoped for more consistent results and a return to the top flight under his leadership.
As things stand, Martin’s team currently holds fourth place in the second division standings and appears well-equipped to secure a top-six finish this season.
One of the unsung heroes of Southampton’s season is Adam Armstrong, despite being the team’s top scorer. Signed for a reported £15 million in the summer of 2021, Armstrong initially struggled to justify his price tag during two underwhelming seasons in the Premier League. However, he has now found consistency in scoring goals and has also become a valuable creative asset with two assists to his name.
Armstrong’s versatility, being able to play both out wide and centrally, and his leadership qualities, having captained the side this season, make him a crucial figure for Martin’s team. With injuries to Ross Stewart and inconsistency in Che Adams’ goal-scoring, the 26-year-old could become the most important player in the team’s promotion push.
Having scored eight goals in 14 appearances, he currently ranks second in the goal-scoring charts for the entire division. If he can maintain this level of performance, he is on track to reach the 20-goal mark, a crucial asset for any club aiming for promotion.
Despite being the top goal-scorer, Armstrong often feels overlooked, with more focus on midfield and defensive improvements. Even the Southampton fan pundit, Martin Sanders, hasn’t always given him the credit he deserves, noting areas for improvement in his performance, despite his goal and assist contribution in a recent 3-1 win against Birmingham City.
Sanders mentioned, “I don’t think I’d be wrong in saying I don’t think he was outstanding at the weekend,” but also acknowledged Armstrong’s hard work and his role as captain.
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