On return to the first team Austin has been in aspired form. Southampton have scored five goals in the two games the striker has started, and now looks like an important part of the team.
The Englishman had played a small part in Saints’ campaign till recent, having made cameo appearances off the bench. The most vital being against West Ham when Austin netted a 90th minute penalty to seal a 3-2 win.
However, being favoured behind the likes of Manolo Gabbiadini and Shane Long, it was thought that the former-Swindon player was not fit. Lack of first team opportunities and not even making the bench for some games seemed to back this perspective up.
Due to this there have been rumours that the Saints man would be made available during the January transfer window. Former club QPR very much tipped as favourites for his signature.
Though, now having scored three goals in his last two Premier League starts, and being the catalyst of attacking prowess. He might have changed the boards’ and fans opinion on his importance to the squad.
It shouldn’t come to much surprise that Austin has the capability of putting the ball in the net. Everywhere the 6’2″ man has gone he has proven his worth. The 2014-2015 Premier League season showcased this the most when he bagged 18 goals across the campaign.
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His ability to lead the line is what sets him apart from the likes of fellow strikers in Long and Gabbiadini. Having great physical ability to hold up the ball and bring others into play is what Saints have missed for some time now.
Austin being the one that can provide that, it’s odd that he was not tried till recent by Mauricio Pellegrino. The fact that all three of his recent goals have been headers, and half-chances. Shows characteristics of the type of striker that Saints require to be competitive in the league.
Going forward, it will be pivotal that Austin keeps fit and avoids injury. Though he is prone to the latter, it is clear that his abilities are extremely important to the team right now.
Without his presence, Southampton are very much toothless. Opposition defences are not challenged physically enough, nor are keepers tested enough by our current other options.