Damion Downs expresses excitement to work with Will Still as the new signing feels inspired to imitate compatriot Folarin Balogun's Reims success with Still at Southampton.
Southampton has finally got Damion Downs signing done and safe to say, all fans would be moved with joy listening to his club ambitions. Till now, having hoped to see the athletic forward thrive under Will Still, the supporters' dream feels nearer now.
And what's the best part? While Downs' contract signing ceremony revolved around his Championship goals, the striker looked more than excited to combine with Still himself.
Not only did Downs heap a hefty praise on Saints boss Still, but looked optimistic about making this Southampton move a decisive one personally.
As quoted by the Daily Echo, Downs talked of Still, saying: "The resume speaks for itself with a lot of great players in the past and I think this is the right move for me right now to make the next step in my career."
Damion Downs looks to imitate Balogun's success with Will Still
Honestly, for the Saints fans, who have known some of Still's former development stories as with Junya Ito, this Damion Downs' statement just adds up on the trust. But what's notable here is that Downs might have just revealed his look-up-to inspiration while acknowledging Still's previous work.
He's 24-year-old USMNT forward Folarin Balogun who had worked wonders under Still in his inaugural Reims project.
On loan at Reims for the 2022/23 season, Balogun netted 21 times in the Ligue 1 season with most of them coming under Still. Now, Balogun returned to Arsenal past his loan but this commendable spell has him as the best forward who's played under Still so far.
Well, if the speculations are true, Southampton fans would be the happiest to see Downs follow in Balogun's footsteps, ending the season anywhere near the 20-goal mark under Still.
Touchwood, but the recent developments since Downs' signing have had Southampton fans over the moon with happiness. Hopefully, the US forward stands up to the fan expectations, competing with Balogun's record to replicate his Reims heroics with Still in the upcoming season.