Southampton: Should the jury be out for Carrillo yet?

Southampton’s record signing hasn’t had the easiest start to live with the Saints, but can we judge him yet?

Guido Carrillo has made four appearances for Mauricio Pellegrino’s side so far this campaign, but is yet to find the back of the net.

With that being said, the first two of Carrillo’s games were off the bench, against Watford and Brighton respectively – since then he’s led the line against West Bromwich Albion and Liverpool.

Despite a fairly average goal-to-game ratio in France, supporters were quick to defend the 26-year-old’s Monaco record by the fact that the majority of his appearances were off the bench. However, Carrillo has now played well over 200 minutes for the Saints without scoring.

Fans on Twitter have gone as far as branding him a ‘lamppost’, after a static performance against Liverpool this past weekend saw him get just one shot on target.

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 11: Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool battles for possesion with Guido Carrillo of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton and Liverpool at St Mary’s Stadium on February 11, 2018 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /

Despite this, it may still be too soon to cast judgement. Carrillo’s positive involvement in the win against West Brom wouldn’t be shown on any stat-sheet, with his hold-up play magnificent until his late substitution.

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But at the end of the day, Southampton shed out north of £19 million on the Argentine, and he needs to repay his manager’s faith.

Having played under Pellegrino in their native country, it’s clear that Carrillo is very much his manager’s signing, meaning the pressure will fall even more in the 46-year-old if the striker can’t deliver.

Besides Liverpool, the Saints haven’t faced a lot of tough opposition since his arrival – therefore it’s hard not to question the signing.

This weekend’s FA Dip against WBA provides the perfect opportunity for Carrillo to get his breakthrough – the Saints have beat the Baggies in both league games so far so should plenty of confidence going into the game.