"Don't be surprised if..." – Journalist drops big Adam Armstrong claim at Southampton

Southampton striker Adam Armstrong could follow in the footsteps of Che Adams and enjoy a more productive second season in the Premier League, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

Armstrong has struggled since making the move from Blackburn last summer and will be hoping to improve in 2022-2023.

It really has been a difficult first full campaign on the South Coast for the striker.

Armstrong joined, looking to build on his fine goalscoring record in the Championship in recent years, but he’s been unable to get anything going.

He marked his Southampton debut by scoring on the opening day with a fine finish at Everton, but his goalscoring return since that strike at Goodison Park has been almost non-existent.

In fact, his only other league goal this season came against Aston Villa in November, with his game-time extremely limited since the turn of the year.

Armstrong hasn’t started a top-flight match in 2022 and has been an unused substitute on six occasions, with his four appearances off the bench totting up to just 42 minutes.

Despite his difficulties, Barclay failed to rule out the possibility of Armstrong replicating what £18m-rated Adams did after scoring just four goals in his first campaign before pushing on in the last two.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “Adam Armstrong hasn’t set the world alight, but look at Che Adams, he’s a good Premier League striker.

“He is now scoring goals after struggling in his first season, so don’t be surprised if Armstrong next season is playing at a much better level and is a much more consistent player.”

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Like Armstrong, Adams failed to live up to expectations in his first season. Having signed for