Ralph Hasenhuttl has stated that he is ‘convinced’ by Che Adams despite the forward’s failure to score a goal for Southampton in the first four games of the season.
Speaking to The Daily Echo, the manager discussed the 23-year-old’s start to life at St Mary’s.
Adams scored three goals in pre-season having plundered 22 for Birmingham City last season. However, he is yet to find the back of the net in a Southampton shirt following a £15 million summer move.
Nevertheless, Hasenhuttl is confident that Adams will fire soon enough. He said:
He is a little bit unlucky sometimes with his actions. The pre-season was much easier for him where he scored immediately and this gives you self-confidence.
He is waiting and working hard and he didn’t score so far but I’m convinced about this guy. He’s a very positive guy and he needs a goal but when he works like this in the future it will come I’m sure.
Read Southampton’s verdict
Ralph’s convinced by Adams, and so am I. It would have been great for him to have gotten off the mark quickly, but perspective is essential: this is a 23-year-old player who is adjusting to the Premier League for the first time.
Not to mention, Adams has been plunged in at the deep end, with much of the goalscoring burden already placed upon his young shoulders. He has also played against Liverpool and Burnley – two typically resolute defensive units – and Brighton and Hove Albion and Manchester United are no walkovers, either.
Adams has the qualities of a player who Hasenhuttl relishes working alongside. He is fast, presses well and has the engine to make intelligent runs throughout matches.
He has, as the gaffer has alluded to, also found good positions. He should have probably scored a few goals already, with near misses against Burnley, Liverpool and United undoubtedly playing on his mind, but his movement has been excellent.
We need to be patient with Adams. Historically, he has barren spells before exploding into form; when he gets one under his belt, I expect him to score a fair few for us this season.
