Why Paul Onuachu is Southampton first-choice striker? Club manager reveals

Paul Onuachu is likely to remain Southampton’s first-choice striker, even though he hasn’t scored many goals recently, his club manager reveals why.

Southampton’s manager, Ivan Juric, has explained why he prefers Onuachu over the club’s top scorer, Cameron Archer.

Despite Archer being the leading scorer for Southampton this season, Juric has chosen Onuachu as his main striker in recent weeks.

Juric talks about the differences between Onuachu and Archer’s styles

Cameron Archer has shown his potential at Southampton, with his speed and ability to finish making him dangerous in fast counter-attacks. However, Juric believes that Archer’s style of play doesn’t always fit the way he wants the team to play.

“He has his qualities,” Juric said about Archer. “He’s interesting, especially when he scored against Brighton because he’s quick and can do things like that.”

But Juric also pointed out that Archer prefers to run into space rather than play with his back to the goal, which doesn’t always match the role Juric wants from his strikers.

Juric explained, “He likes attacking the space, but sometimes I prefer players who are more involved with the ball, like the two forwards at Brighton. They defend the ball and then attack with the other players.”

Juric praised Archer’s talent but also said there were areas where the young striker could improve, adding, “He misses some things, but he’s a great guy. Even when he didn’t play or when I chose other players, he handled it well.”

Why Onuachu is still preferred over Southampton’s top scorer

Since Juric became manager in December, he has regularly used Paul Onuachu as his main striker. The Nigerian forward has started in seven of the last 12 matches.

Although Archer has scored more goals this season—five compared to Onuachu’s two—Juric seems to favour Onuachu for his ability to hold up the ball and his aerial strength.

At 6’7″, Onuachu gives Southampton a strong target man in attack, which suits the physical style of play Juric prefers.

When asked about playing both Onuachu and Archer together, Juric said, “It’s an option,” but he hasn’t tried it much.

The two have only played together for five minutes in a match against Bournemouth, and neither Juric nor former manager Russell Martin have given them much time on the pitch together.