Southampton fans will love what Cyle Larin said after statement Wrexham win | OneFootball

Cyle Larin has reacted to Southampton's 5-1 win over Wrexham in the Championship, with the Saints strengthening their grip on the play-offs...

Having smashed Wrexham 5-1 thanks to the likes of Cyle Larin, Southampton have strengthened their hold on the play-off places with six league games remaining in the Championship.

Due to their exploits in the FA Cup, having beaten Arsenal to set up a semi-final at Wembley against Manchester City, Southampton only played one league match during the Easter Weekend games.

Winning it in emphatic fashion, with Kuryu Matsuki, Flynn Downes, Cyle Larin, Ross Stewart, and Finn Azaz all scoring in Wales to complete a famous victory, meaning they are sixth but with a game in hand on those around them.

Tonda Eckert's side are 15 games unbeaten in all competitions, with only three draws in that time and two wins against Premier League opposition in Fulham and Arsenal. The German boss has been able to rotate in many of those games, too, showcasing the strength in depth at St. Mary's.

Larin joined on loan in January to bolster their attack following Adam Armstrong's departure. The experienced centre-forward has five goals and an assist to his name in 13 matches so far. Larin, Leo Scienza, and Azaz have all been vital to their attacking returns of late.

Cyle Larin's view of Wrexham 1-5 Southampton

Larin will represent Canada this summer at the World Cup in a tournament they are hosting, with only three players having more caps for the national team than the 30-year-old. Only Jonathan David (39) has more goals than Larin (30), too.

Despite a difficult first half of the campaign with Feyenoord, Larin has scored goals everywhere he has been. He bagged 52 goal involvements in 89 games for Orlando, 48 in 109 appearances for Besiktas, and 19 in 33 for Zulte Waregem.

In Spain, Larin also notched 22 goals and eight assists in 95 matches. But he is not just a goalscorer, having added a more physical and powerful presence to the Southampton attack. That has helped to knit things together for the Saints as well.

Larin scored a brilliant solo goal which started from the halfway line against Wrexham, highlighting those strengths. He spoke to the Daily Echo post-match to provide his thoughts, stating: "It was an amazing win. We showed who we are.

"We aren't just a side that beat a Premier League team; we've come here and handled our business. Each guy knew what was at stake in this game — we know what is at stake in each game. We want to keep climbing and climbing up the table.

"It's down to the hard work we put in. Yes, we scored five, but over the whole game, everyone was working hard, offensively and defensively.

"I love it. This is a great club with great guys. Everyone is working really well together. We just have to keep doing that, and we will keep climbing up."

On his goal, Larin added: "I've scored goals similar to this. Once I saw I could get the pass, I knew how fast I am, and I wasn't going to stop. I went straight for it.

"I had nothing else on my mind other than scoring the goal. To have the fans right beside me was nice. I don't think it was a long way to go. It looks long, but it's not. You have one thing on your mind, and that's to score."

Southampton should push to sign Cyle Larin permanently this summer

Signing Larin permanently would give Southampton valuable depth and experience, even as a secondary striker next season. He will be 31, but he offers a proven physical profile and the sort of top flight and international pedigree needed.

Larin has title-winning experience in Europe, adding know-how to a dressing room that may include younger forwards again next season. As a squad option behind a marquee striker signing, Larin provides reliable rotation, aerial presence, and a different tactical profile.

He would be useful against more combative centre-backs or to throw on in late-game situations. His relatively low cost (loan/low market value) also makes him a low-risk addition. Overall, he strengthens depth, adds experience, and improves tactical flexibility without blocking the development or minutes of a younger first-choice striker.

Even if they do not achieve promotion, Larin has to be a consideration this summer. Such has been his impact, Southampton will be weighing up a permanent deal with RCD Mallorca.