Southampton vs Sheffield United: Three Key Players from Saints' win

Southampton vs Sheffield United: Three Key Players from Saints’ win

Southampton's English midfielder Che Adams (C) celebrates with Southampton's Danish defender Jannik Vestergaard (L) and Southampton's English striker Danny Ings (2nd R) after scoring the opening goal of the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Sheffield United at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England on December 13, 2020. (Photo by Naomi Baker / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by NAOMI BAKER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Southampton’s English striker Che Adams (Photo by NAOMI BAKER/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Che Adams

Another player whose star has shone more brightly in the last few months, Che Adams is starting to look like the player Southampton splashed a considerable sum of money on in the summer of 2019. He led by example against Sheffield United on a day where Ings did not reach the heady heights to which he has become accustomed.

As with Theo Walcott, the 24 year old was a nagging thorn in the side of Sheffield United at St Mary’s. Indeed, the returning crowd of 2000 home supporters were fortunate to witness his first goal in front of the Southampton faithful, a fair reward for his endeavour and gutsy hold up play.

The understanding he has built with Ings, Armstrong and Walcott is evident for all to see. Adams boasts an instinctive understanding of where his teammates are on the pitch and this is utilised through his accomplished range of passing. It would be both naive and ill informed to dismiss Adams as merely a strong centre forward, especially when his game has a real subtlety often belied by his powerful frame.