Leo Scienza has been one of the stars of Southampton’s season.
His contributions lit up the Championship in the 2025/26 regular season, creating the most big chances in the league, which helped Scienza’s case as one of the second tier’s finest signings in a long time.
But like for every good player, there comes a drop-off, and Scienza hasn’t had a Southampton goal involvement in six games now, while having less of a visible impact on Tonda Eckert’s side.
There’s a specific reason Scienza has dropped in form of late, meaning German head coach Eckert won’t be too worried - he remains vital to what Southampton do.
A not-so-worrying dry spell
Leo Scienza hasn’t had a direct Southampton goal involvement since mid-April, and remains on a six-game drought without a goal or assist heading into the play-off final.
Despite picking up 7 goals and 10 assists in his time at the club since joining on the summer transfer window deadline day in 2025, Scienza just isn’t hitting the ground running of late. And that is because every team Southampton come up against tries to sound the Brazilian out of games.
Under former manager Will Still, who won just two league games in charge of Southampton, Scienza was often the only threat the Saints had going forward.
When the 27-year-old was off his game, the team suffered in turn. But under Tonda Eckert’s management, this hasn’t been the case.
Scienza being doubled-up on isn’t fatal
When the tricky star Leo Scienza picks up the ball, you can’t help but watch from the edge of your seat. Southampton’s Championship opposition have finally picked up on this awe factor and sheer output Scienza imposes - and have resorted to doubling up on him when he has the ball.
It means Scienza often has a team’s right winger and right-back to beat before being able to progress into a goalscoring or creative position, which has affected his numbers at the top of the pitch.
But the coaching of tactician Tonda Eckert has allowed Southampton to continue to perform, even when Scienza is not at his best, or being sounded out. Other routes to attack, like through Ryan Manning, Finn Azaz, Tom Fellows, Kuryu Matsuki or the direct route to Cyle Larin or Ross Stewart, have meant the Saints now have a varied game.
An extra opposition player being occupied by Scienza at all times would have been fatal in the Will Still era, but it now means Southampton have the capacity to create overloads elsewhere.
Scienza’s output has diminished, but there is no knock-on effect for the team. In fact, at times, it is helping them become even more creative.
If the Saints can win promotion to the Premier League next season, Scienza will likely be able to flourish once again, with opposition sides unlikely to take the out-of-possession risk in reducing their numbers to crowd him out.
They are just one game away from getting there - Scienza needs to be at his best in the play-off final on Saturday at Wembley, even if Hull City attempt to remove his influence.
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