The English Premier League 2024-25 season is just around the corner. 20 clubs are ready to fight for the league title. The competition has grown in the English top division. All clubs have enough resources to bring some quality players from different leagues. Some clubs are also known for promoting homegrown players and one such club is Southampton. The Saints have produced some of the best talents. They return to the top division after spending just one season in the Championship.
Southampton have also started to recruit some players. Che Adams left the club and they needed someone to lead the attack. The Saints approached Ben Brereton Diaz to lead their attacking line. The Chilean played for Blackburn Rovers before joining Villareal last summer. He came to England on loan in January and played for Sheffield United. Ben chipped in with a few goals and caught the attention of many. Southampton signed him on a four-year contract.
The 25-year-old forward has over 150 appearances in the EFL Championship and 14 in the Premier League. Here is a look at what this new forward has in store for the returning team.
Successful spell with the Blades
Ben Brereton Diaz decided to leave England and continue playing elsewhere. He joined the Yellow Submarines in Spain. The Chilean struggled in Spain. He moved to England and joined a struggling Sheffield side. He played in 14 league games. The manager used him on the left side. This shows that Ben is a versatile attacker. He can shift gears and play on the wings.
Sheffield United’s new signing offered plenty on the field. He made a few progressive runs to beat the opposition players. Some of these runs won fouls, including a penalty. This shows that Ben can run with the ball. His skills and strength can put the opposition team into much trouble.
One area where he could prove to be crucial is in recovering the ball. Brereton was able to counter-press last season and some of his recoveries turned into dangerous ones. This will be handy for Southampton heading into a tough season.
Back to England, back to goals
The 25-year-old failed to open his account in Spain. He even was unable to hit the target in just five attempts. Ben came back and scored six times in the Premier League. Most of his goals came from inside the penalty box. He managed to get into good scoring positions and had a high xG rate per shot. This shows the threat that Ben carries into the next season.
In addition to this, he managed to create one for his teammates. Playing on the flanks allows Brereton to deliver quality passes into the box. This is another quality that can help Southampton in the long run.
Ben Brereton Diaz has a chance to impress the Southampton fans. He adjusted well to the Premier League pace and there are some high hopes for the new team.
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