Paul Onuachu joined Trabzonspor from Southampton on loan in the just-concluded summer transfer window
Turkish manager, Fuat Capa, has tipped Nigerian international, Paul Onuachu, to score more than 20 goals in the Super Lig this season, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles forward recently joined Trabzonspor from Southampton on a season-long loan and has quickly ended his 11-game goal drought by scoring two goals in his first two appearances for his new club.
Capa, who previously managed Antalayspor, has revealed that given Onuachu's impressive start, he can't guarantee he will score 50 goals, but he is confident Onuachu will reach the 20-goal mark this season.
Onuachu made a strong debut for Nenad Bjelica’s men, opening the scoring against Besiktas and scoring his debut goal in the 29th minute of the game.
The 55-year-old Capa confirmed that he watched both of Onuachu's games and was impressed with his performances.
“He started there perfectly, I've seen both of his games. On his home debut against Besiktas, he immediately scored his first goal with a header. He scored again against Hatayspor and also provided an assist.” he said, as quoted by Voetbalkrant.
In his first two games on loan from Southampton, Onuachu has played for only 47 minutes and 65 minutes, respectively, due to his low match fitness. Capa believes that with more playing time, the Nigerian forward can perform even better.
He added: “You do notice that he has barely played since January. He's not fit enough and can't handle playing for 90 minutes yet. He did start for the past two weeks, but he had to be replaced every time.”
Capa, an experienced coach in the Turkish league, is confident that Onuachu is well-suited for the Turkish league and has the potential to score a significant number of goals.
“We all know he's a good striker, who can get strong statistics recorded. I dare not predict that he will score fifty goals. But I see him score twenty times. Onuachu fits well in the Turkish league.”
Trabzonspor is currently in 7th place in the league, 9 points behind league leaders Fenerbahce. In their upcoming match against Pendikspor at Papara Park over the weekend, they will aim to close the gap in the league standings.
Am happy for him, thank God he has finally found a coach who knows how to utilize his special skill.