Super Eagles forward Paul Onuachu hopes his height will be of advantage for his new side Southampton who are battling against relegation from the English Premier League.
Onuachu who made a transfer deadline day move from Belgian Pro League side Genk, made his debut for the Saints in their 3-0 defeat against Brentford, coming in at the beginning of the second half for Mohamed Elyounoussi.
Speaking to the club’s website, the Nigerian described his move to the Premier League as a dream move at the right time.
“I think it had to be now or never,” Onuachu said of his dream move to England.
“I think I’m at the right age and I think I had to take this challenge and test myself, to impact my team. Hopefully we do something great together.
“It’s a decision I took because coming to Southampton and playing in the Premier League, the best league in the world, I’m coming to really impact my own team – it’s something big for me in my career.
“I have always followed the Premier League, watching it week in week out, seeing the games. It’s a whole different ball game, the intensity, the duels.
“Every player dreams of playing in the Premier League, and of course I’m happy to be here. I think I have the physique, I have the height, I have the size. Let the battle begin.
“Of course it helps a lot, having this height. I’m in there with my height to make a difference in the box, so I think that’s why God gave me this height! If I have the right balls in the box, of course you can see my height will tell.
“James (Ward-Prowse) is one of the best in the league with his service and his kick, so of course I’m happy to be coming here with someone like him. I think it’s going to really help the team and me a lot.”
The Nigeria international is not shying away from the task facing his new club in pursuit of Premier League survival.
“I’m very motivated, it’s a huge challenge,” he added.
“Coming here we are last on the table and everybody is working to really try to leave the relegation zone.
“It’s a huge challenge, not just for me but for everybody in the team. I’m going to give it all if I have the chance to play, and try to help the team to survive.”