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Paul Onuachu will likely continue being Southampton’s first-choice striker despite not getting amongst the goals often

Southampton manager Ivan Juric has shed light on why he favours Paul Onuachu over the club’s current top scorer, Cameron Archer.

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Despite Archer leading the Saints’ goal charts this season, Juric has opted for Onuachu’s as his number one choice in recent weeks.

Juric highlights tactical differences between Onuachu and Archer

Cameron Archer has shown glimpses of his potential at Southampton, with his pace and finishing ability making him a threat in transition. However, Juric believes that his playing style does not always fit the tactical approach he prefers.

“He has his characteristics,” Juric said of Archer, adding, “He’s interesting in situations like when he scored the goal against Brighton because he’s quick, fast, and he can do things.”

However, Juric noted that Archer’s tendency to attack space rather than play with his back to goal makes him less suited for the role he envisions for his strikers.

The Southampton boss said, “He likes attacking the space when sometimes I prefer the players that are there for the ball, like Brighton do with the two forwards. They are defending the ball and then attack with the other players.”

While acknowledging Archer’s talent, Juric also pointed out areas where the young striker needs to improve, saying, “He misses other things. Again, he’s a great guy. Even in the bad moments when he didn’t play, or I put other players in, he handled it well.”

Why Onuachu gets the nod over Southampton’s top scorer

Since arriving in December, Juric has leaned towards using Paul Onuachu as his main striker, with the towering Nigerian forward starting seven of the last 12 matches.

Despite Archer leading the club’s scoring charts with five goals in all competitions, compared to Onuachu’s two, Juric appears to prefer Onuachu’s hold-up play and aerial presence.

The 6’7” striker offers Southampton a target man in attack, allowing them to play with a more physical presence up front, which Juric prefers.

When asked about playing both Onuachu and Archer together, Juric said, “It’s an option,” although he has rarely experimented with the pairing.

The duo have only shared the pitch for a five-minute spell against Bournemouth, and neither former manager Russell Martin nor Juric has given them significant game time together.