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Southampton: World Cup Scouted – Ahmed Musa

By Chris Hughes

VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Ahmed Musa of Nigeria celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Nigeria and Iceland at Volgograd Arena on June 22, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA - JUNE 22: Ahmed Musa of Nigeria celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Nigeria and Iceland at Volgograd Arena on June 22, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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World Cup Scouted is a regular Saints Marching series in which we look at a standout player who could add something to Southampton’s squad.

Yesterday lunchtime Iceland were shocked by Nigeria as they went out and defeated the popular nation 2-0, with the Super Eagles having previously looked poor in their tournament opener against Croatia.

With Argentina struggling themselves many suggested that the Icelandic’s could get out of their group, however those hopes were seriously dented after a change in formation from Nigeria saw them impress massively.

The man who got both of their goals was Ahmed Musa – a name familiar to Premier League fans as he’s currently on the books of Leicester City. However, he featured just twice in all competitions for the Foxes the 2017/18 season, resulting in being sent out on loan in January.

With Claude Puel’s side having pipped the Saints to the signing of James Maddison, and with Riyad Mahrez, Shinji Okazaki and Demarai Gray still on their books, there isn’t much room for Musa with Jamie Vardy a shoe-in to start up front.

Next: Saints eyeing two attacking midfielders

VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA – JUNE 22: Ahmed Musa of Nigeria looks on during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Nigeria and Iceland at Volgograd Arena on June 22, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
VOLGOGRAD, RUSSIA – JUNE 22: Ahmed Musa of Nigeria looks on during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Nigeria and Iceland at Volgograd Arena on June 22, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /

Signing from a rival Premier League side would potentially make this deal a costly one especially as he was once Leicester’s record signing, but with his pace and versatility he could be an asset to the Saints’ squad.

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Whilst naturally a striker, Musa can also play down either wing meaning he could fill the ‘inside forward’ void Southampton supporters have been so desperate to fill –  with the Quincy promes deal looking dead in the water it may be wise to look for alternatives.

With the Foxes the 25-year-old was never prolific, but whilst playing in Russia both on-loan this year and before he moving to England he showed a keen eye for goal – just like he did yesterday.

Musa scored six in ten whilst back in Russia this year, and in total he has scored 61 times in 180 games for CSKA Moscow.

Yesterday, whilst playing with a supporting striker, he had the freedom to move, drift wide, and break in behind. Both of his goals showed real quality and whilst he may not of done this regularly for Leicester, playing off of Charlie Austin with Redmond or a new winger on the other side, they could cause damage.