Why I didn’t play Paul Onuachu for Southampton against Bournemouth- Ruben Selles

The Nigerian attacker moved to the St Mary's Stadium during the January transfer window for a fee in the region of £18million

Southampton manager, Rubben Selles, has admitted that the absence of Nigerian attacker Paul Onuachu from the team to play Bournemouth was a tactical choice.

The Nigerian player who joined the Saints in January for an estimated £18 million signing fee from KRC Genk has only started three of his nine English Premier League games.

This time, the Nigerian was left out of the team to play the Cherries, and Sellles justified his choice by saying that Che Adams was a superior player for the game.

When opposed to the English player who has contributed 5 goals and 3 assists to the team, the Super Eagles attacker has yet to score.

What has been said?

Selles recognised that both players are comparable but that Adams' vitality is more appropriate for the home game after being questioned about the absence of the Nigerian attacker by HampshireLive.

“We had Che Adams and Sekou Mara,”

“We thought because Che Adams is as good as any striker in the air, also Sekou [Mara]. I don't think there's a difference between them and Paul Onuachu. We thought we'd be more dynamic, we can attack with the spaces better in the box. So it was a tactical decision.”

Despite falling further into the relegation zone and going winless in their last five games, Southampton will be hoping to make a difference against Newcastle when they visit St. James' Park.