Cyle Larin eyes Beattie-style legacy after Southampton revival and World Cup boost | OneFootball

Southampton's revival of Cyle Larin's scoring has underpinned his Canada World Cup call-up, with the 31-year-old back among the goals at St Mary's.

According to Sainstmarching.com, he scored nine goals in 22 appearances last season, and the Saints have made the move permanent for £2.5m.

A one-goal loan at Feyenoord preceded his switch to England, which was make-or-break for his World Cup chances. Returning to a scoring rhythm with Southampton, he said, restored the confidence to perform on the biggest stage.

Supporters hope he can forge a legacy akin to James Beattie. Signed for £1m in 1998, the 6-foot-1 forward arrived from Blackburn with only limited minutes, then struck five in his debut Premier League season.

Beattie finished with 76 goals in 232 Saints games and hit 23 in 38 league outings in 2002/03, pushing Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Thierry Henry in the Golden Boot race. Money well spent, he became a modern Premier League icon at St Mary's.

Larin aims to follow that path. He already has eight second-tier goals from 16 appearances and, after the World Cup, wants to fire a promotion push.

The well-travelled striker has 100 goals across MLS, La Liga, the Süper Lig in Türkiye and the Jupiler Pro League. He would like the Premier League to be his next challenge and to leave a lasting mark there.

The Championship is unforgiving, so nothing is guaranteed. If he sustains his loan form, Southampton should be close to the summit by May.

Source: Sainstmarching.com