Championship: Iain Dowie hails Southampton star Cyle Larin, saying ‘he’s a handful’
Former Southampton striker Iain Dowie says in-form Saints forward Cyle Larin reminds him of Jean-Philippe Mateta, claiming "he’s a handful, physically intimidating”.
France striker Mateta has been a key man in recent times for another of Dowie's former clubs, Premier League side Crystal Palace.
Canada international Larin has been named as the Championship's player of the month for August after scoring four league goals.
And former Eagles boss Dowie also believes that Larin is highlighting why Southampton let Ross Stewart leave the club this summer after failing to agree a new contract.
A handful
"He’s the man on the spot, he’s always in the right place, right time for tap-ins," Dowie said, discussing Larin in an interview with BOYLE Sports, who offer football odds.
"He’s a handful, physically intimidating, and he’s started the season well. He’s exactly the man you want up front.
"Cyle Larin is a lad who has scored goals everywhere he has been, starting in Canada, then at Orlando, Besiktas, and Club Brugge. He’s a proven goalscorer.
"Last season, he had eight league goals in 16 appearances and he has 32 goals for Canada.
"I think Southampton let Ross Stewart go because they have that kind of player in Larin. The truth is, he just gets goals wherever he goes.
"He’s like Jean-Philippe Mateta at Crystal Palace. Mateta scored 21 goals last year, most of them at home, it’s quite remarkable. I think Larin is similar.
“Neither of them really head the ball much, but they are both big, physically imposing units who are always in the right place at the right time and are very cool finishers."
Mistake to let Stewart leave
Dowie, though, is unconvinced by the decision to move on Stewart, who is now at Swansea but has suffered an injury-hit start to this campaign.
"Considering how Ross Stewart finished last season, I think it might have been a mistake from Southampton to let him leave.
“He’s yet to start due to injury, but he had such a great end to last season.
"I just think if Ross Stewart is fit, he'll get goals. Wherever he’s been, he’s scored.
“Losing him on a free didn't seem like a very sensible thing to do, but that’s where they are."
Southampton face Bristol City in a 3pm home clash on Saturday, September 12.
