Southampton: Review of Danny Ings’ season for Saints so far

HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 22: Danny Ings of Southampton celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Southampton FC at John Smith's Stadium on December 22, 2018 in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
HUDDERSFIELD, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 22: Danny Ings of Southampton celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the Premier League match between Huddersfield Town and Southampton FC at John Smith's Stadium on December 22, 2018 in Huddersfield, United Kingdom. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Danny Ings joined Southampton on an initial loan from Liverpool last summer before his move becomes permanent in July.

Saints looked to the 26-year-old to add another dimension to their forward line, but they would have been well aware of injury issues that have plagued him in recent years.

Ings was signed by Mark Hughes and played regularly under the Welshman before he was replaced by Ralph Hasenhuttl back in December, but the striker has remained an important part of the Saints team throughout the campaign.

That is very much down to the poachers instinct he has added upfront, whilst his pace and workrate make him suited to Hasenhuttl’s pressing style.

So far, he has netted seven Premier League goals and eight in all competitions after scoring against Everton in the EFL Cup.

BURNLEY, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 02: Danny Ings of Southampton acknowledges the fans as he is forced off injured during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Southampton FC at Turf Moor on February 2, 2019 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 02: Danny Ings of Southampton acknowledges the fans as he is forced off injured during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Southampton FC at Turf Moor on February 2, 2019 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images) /

Next. Hasenhuttl gives Saints relegation warning after Cardiff defeat. dark

His scoring rate may not look too great on paper but the fact that previous top scorers Charlie Austin and Dusan Tadic only scored seven in the whole of the 2017/18 Premier League campaign shows Ings’ importance now.

The only downside to his time on the South Coast has limited his time on the pitch but clearly isn’t of his own making.

He has missed six potentially crucial games due to a recurring issue with his hamstrings and missed Saturday’s loss to Cardiff City because of this.

This is a real shame for Ings and the team because they look a much bigger threat when he is starting games.

More from Saints Marching

His pace when running with the ball really seems to trouble opposition defences and that leads to him and others around him becoming much more potent in attack.

After seasons of inconsistent football, it appeared that he would be getting back on track fully with Saints and getting back towards the form that he had shown whilst at Burnley. However, injury breaks that he has to take keep forcing him to take a step back.

According to the whoscored.com, Ings has averaged 2.5 shots per game whilst also contributing with 1.1 key passes in each appearance.

Overall, Ings has proved to be a very good signings for Saints and there is a true connection between him and the club he supported as a boy.

However, managing his game-time in the future will be key to avoid too much stress on his body and an able strike should be found in the summer to help the situation.