Southampton manager Ivan Juric has expressed his confidence in Paul Onuachu's ability to find the back of the net more regularly after the Nigerian striker netted the match-winning goal in his side’s 2-1 victory over Ipswich Town at Portman Road on Saturday.
Onuachu's goal, which came late in the second half, was only his second of the season. However, Juric was full of praise for the forward's work ethic and highlighted his potential for more goals going forward.
The 30-year-old had to wait six weeks into the 2024/25 Premier League season before earning his chance in former Saints manager Russell Martin’s starting lineup.
Last season, the towering forward spent time on loan at Turkish side Trabzonspor, where he enjoyed a prolific spell, scoring 17 goals in 25 appearances across all competitions at Papara Park.
Despite limited appearances this season, Onuachu’s match-winning strike has provided a timely boost to his confidence, and Juric believes the former Genk man can deliver more as the season progresses.
Juric confident Onuachu can build on match-winner and score more goals
In his post-match reflections, Juric expressed his belief in Paul Onuachu's potential to score more goals following his match-winning strike against Ipswich Town.
“It was a great moment. He [Onuachu] deserved it because he really worked hard, it’s his second goal, I think he can score more, but he really worked hard for the team,” the Croatian trainer said as reported by the club’s official website.
He has made 16 appearances for Southampton across all competitions this season, starting six matches, scoring two goals, and averaging 37 minutes per game.
Meanwhile, Onuachu has recently been the subject of intense speculation linking him with Turkish side Beşiktaş, who are actively searching for a target man capable of delivering goals.
