With no goals from 27 appearances it’s fair to say Che Adams hasn’t been prolific this season.
After signing from Birmingham city for a reported £15m according to BBC sport, Adams had looked to be a promising prospect. The Striker joined Southampton after netting 38 times for his West Midlands employers.
Sadly, for the front man potential hasn’t translated into production for his new team. That said it’s not entirely bad news for the Englishman.
Despite failing to find the net or a regular starting place there have been a few signs of promise for Adams. One such occasion came as Southampton took on arch-rivals Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
Adams was an important cog in the build-up to Saints’ first two goals against Pompey. The second sees the player’s best moment as he provides an excellent pass from the top of the centre circle.
Michael Obafemi may pick up the assist for his subsequent pass into goal-scorer Danny Ings, but without Adams precision the goal doesn’t come to be.
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The Englishman also managed several other key balls forward that led to chances. It’s just unfortunate that teammates could not convert to further bury Portsmouth and to bring Adams deserved plaudits.
Admittedly, the player’s Premier League stats don’t make for great reading.
From 22 top-flight appearances, the summer signing has scored zero goals, and managed just two assists according to WhoScored.com. The site credits him with the key pass in Southampton’s 2-1 win over Leicester as well as a 2-0 victory over his former nemesis Aston Villa.
While it is true that on the face of them the statistics aren’t much to write home about, those two assists have helped to secure vital points. Saints currently sit seven points off the drop zone. With a defence that struggles to cope with single goal leads, it doesn’t take a genius to work out why those assists are vital.
At his best, this campaign Adams has proven to be a hard worker who has contributed quietly to some moments of success. It hasn’t exactly been an ideal start for the marksman, but there is still plenty of time for him to make an impact in the red and white.