Southampton’s striker struggles make this prolific EFL forward an even bigger target.

Southampton’s impressive goal tally does not tell the whole story of their attacking situation. The Saints have scored 29 times in 15 Championship matches, yet Tonda Eckert still has reason to worry about his options at centre-forward. Their reliance on Cyle Larin has become increasingly clear, particularly during the Canadian striker’s recent absence.

Larin has found the net seven times in only 11 league appearances this season, making him an important figure in Southampton’s promotion challenge. However, the problems begin when he is unavailable. Lewis Dobbin and Divin Mubama have each managed just one Championship goal, leaving Eckert without convincing alternatives capable of producing the same threat.

Blackburn Rovers v West Ham United – Sky Bet Championship 2026/27 | Dave Howarth – CameraSport/GettyImages

The issue became more obvious across the last four league fixtures, which Larin missed because of injury. Southampton drew 1-1 away to West Bromwich Albion before suffering a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Preston North End. Those results may have been different had their leading striker been available to take the chances that came their way.

While Southampton have been trying to manage that shortage, another Championship forward has been enjoying an extraordinary run in front of goal. Andri Gudjohnsen has been scoring with remarkable regularity for Blackburn Rovers.

Gudjohnsen is making his own name

The 24-year-old comes from a family with a strong history of goalscoring. His grandfather, Arnór Gudjohnsen, scored 107 times during his career and represented clubs including Anderlecht and Bordeaux. His father, Eidur Gudjohnsen, is also familiar to English football supporters, having scored 55 Premier League goals, mainly during his time at Chelsea.

Andri is now building a reputation of his own rather than simply relying on the achievements of his relatives. His performances this season have made him one of the Championship’s most dangerous forwards. He has scored ten league goals in 14 appearances, an impressive return that places him among the division’s leading marksmen.

What makes that record particularly remarkable is the efficiency with which he has taken his opportunities. Gudjohnsen has scored those ten goals from only 20 shots, giving him a conversion rate of 50 per cent. In other words, half of his attempts have ended up in the net.

Erling Haaland, widely regarded as one of the continent’s most feared strikers, has a reported conversion rate of 26 per cent. The comparison highlights just how clinical Gudjohnsen has been, even though the players operate in different teams and competitions.

The figures shared by Not The Top 20 Pod also placed Gudjohnsen ahead of a number of high-profile names. Raphinha was listed with a 42 per cent conversion rate, while Joao Pedro had 31 per cent. Alexander Isak recorded 27 per cent, Haaland 26 per cent and Kylian Mbappe 20 per cent. Harry Kane was listed at nine per cent. Gudjohnsen’s 50 per cent return therefore stands out.

Southampton could use Gudjohnsen’s finishing

Southampton would surely have welcomed a striker with Gudjohnsen’s current level of accuracy during the matches against West Brom and Preston. Without Larin, they were unable to find the goals needed to turn opportunities into better results. Mubama’s latest substitute appearance did little to strengthen his case, while Dobbin has continued to struggle to make a significant impact.

The contrast is difficult to ignore. Gudjohnsen has ten goals from 20 shots, while Southampton’s two alternative forwards have only one league goal each. That does not mean the Icelandic striker would automatically solve every problem at St Mary’s, but his current form illustrates the value of having a reliable finisher available.

There is, however, reason for optimism among Saints supporters. Larin is expected to return after the international break, giving Eckert back a forward who has already demonstrated his ability to score regularly in the Championship.

Before suffering a hamstring injury against Bolton Wanderers, the Canadian had been finding the net once every 104 minutes. That is an impressive scoring frequency, particularly for a player who has made only 11 league appearances so far this season.

Gudjohnsen’s record is slightly better, with a goal every 94 minutes. The difference is relatively small, but it underlines the remarkable level the Blackburn forward has reached. It will be interesting to see how their respective records compare when the long Championship campaign reaches its conclusion.

Larin has a record to build on

Southampton fans will be hoping Larin can return in the same form he showed before his injury. There is also evidence from last season to suggest that he can be a major contributor when fully fit. The striker scored eight goals in just nine Championship starts during the previous campaign, demonstrating the impact he can make when given regular opportunities.

The division is packed with dangerous forwards this season. Will Lankshear was leading the scoring charts at the time of writing, having registered 13 goals in 13 matches. Gudjohnsen is also firmly in the race for the golden boot, and his performances are likely to attract attention from clubs ahead of the January transfer window.

Blackburn may already be preparing for interest in their Icelandic striker, whose goalscoring form has made him an increasingly valuable player. If he maintains this level, the club could face a difficult task keeping hold of him beyond January.

Southampton and Blackburn are also due to meet next month, creating the possibility of an intriguing contest between Larin and Gudjohnsen. It would be a compelling opportunity to compare two forwards who have been scoring at impressive rates when available.

For Eckert, the immediate priority will be getting Larin fit and ensuring Southampton have enough support around him. The return of their leading scorer should improve the attack, but the performances of Dobbin and Mubama remain a concern. Gudjohnsen’s outstanding form offers a reminder of the clinical edge the Saints have sometimes lacked.

If Larin can stay healthy and reproduce his best form, Southampton may have their own answer to Blackburn’s prolific number nine. However, the club will need more from its other striking options if it wants to maintain its promotion challenge throughout the demanding 46-match season.