Since arriving from Queens Park Rangers in the summer transfer window last season Charlie Austin has had limited opportunity, but now the striker may be the shake up needed in the Southampton frontline.
Having only managed around four hours of Premier League football following his move to the South Coast, mainly due to injury, Austin provides a different outlet up front to the current starters of Nathan Redmond and Shane Long.
New manager Claude Puel will be by no means reaching panic levels even though the Saints have only recorded one point so far in the league. Perhaps with the side managing just one shot on target at Old Trafford and failing to convert an abundance of chances against Watford though, the preseason experiment of Long and Redmond up front will not carry over its success to the Premier League.
The pacey combo look supremely dangerous on the break, being able to get in behind defenders, and are clinical finishers when on form. The Southampton game plan largely relies on crossing the ball, however, and without a big-bodied target man their attack can appear somewhat blunted.
The Englishman operates far more in the mould of departed striker Graziano Pellè. Powerful and an aerial presence, he differs greatly from the smaller duo currently filling the positions up front. Austin gives the likes of Cédric, Dusan Tadić and Matt Targett a real mark to aim for.
Since joining the club the 27-year-old has not been able to manage a full 90 minute performance in an injury troubled 2015-16, though appears to have had a solid build up leading into 2016-17. Now with a fully fit Austin on the bench, the French coach has options for his front line.
With Pellè leaving over the summer perhaps the Englishman was prepared to have a bigger role this season and though he went against rumours that he was wanting a transfer away from Southampton, a bit part surely will not satisfy him for long.
Nearly topping the goal scoring charts during his last full season in the Premier League, Austin will certainly be looking to return to regular football and scoring form.
You can only control the controllable, don't believe everything you read 🔴⚪️ #10 #saintsfc
— Charlie Austin (@chazaustin10) August 16, 2016
The question is then raised of who would be removed to make way were Austin to be included. It would be harsh to remove either Long or Redmond who have both shown good signs so far this season, the latter scoring in the opening round.
Options could include pushing both out wide, going with one up front and removing one midfielder. Or Long and Austin up front, with Redmond dropping in behind or out wide.
Perhaps the strongest option would be a return to Koeman’s 4-2-3-1 with Austin as lone striker and a combination of Long, Redmond and Tadić occupying the space in behind. So far Puel seems to favour a 4-4-2 diamond, with the fullbacks getting through more of the attacking on the wings.
Adapting to a new formation of course takes time and maybe the Frenchman will look to keep things as is, feeling that ultimately Austin does not suit his desired game plan. The centre-forward’s goal scoring record is compelling, however, with 87 goals from 170 league appearances across the Championship and Premiership – a rate of just under a goal every second game.
Whether a move to include Austin will, or should be made any time soon is still very much up for debate, with Puel seemingly satisfied with his current setup. The weekend’s match against Sunderland will provide another chance for the Redmond-Long combo to prove its value, with a change to the lineup currently looking unlikely.
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