Some players would have welcomed the three-month absence of Premier League football; some may even have welcomed the delay of Euro 2020 as they fight for fitness. Danny Ings was not one of those players, however. Instead, the Southampton striker would have been part of the vast majority who were left disappointed by the delays and suspensions of the beautiful game across the world.
Danny Ings is Capable of Winning the Golden Boot
Euros Disappointment for Ings
Whilst the likes of Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford breathed a sigh of relief at the news of Euro 2020’s one year delay, Danny Ings would have been devasted. The former Liverpool man was enjoying his best year yet in English football, and a call-up to the national team must surely have been on Gareth Southgate’s mind.
In fact, if it wasn’t for COVID-19, Ings would have probably been preparing for group stage success in the England hotel as we speak. It is undoubtedly a huge blow for Ings, who finally recovered from a torrid spell of injuries at Liverpool to find his golden touch at Southampton; a golden touch that may be confirmed come the end of the season.
A Dark Horse in the Golden Boot Race
With prestige players such as Mohamed Salah, Sergio Aguero and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to compete with, it is clear that Danny Ings is in the company of elites, making his rise even more impressive. The 27-year-old has outscored all of Harry Kane, Sadio Mane, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford this season whilst playing in a Southampton side that has struggled to even stay afloat at times.
The fact is, even without world-class suppliers behind him, Ings has outperformed some of the very best the league has to offer. And this is why being denied the chance to see him in the England setup is so disappointing; he would have thrived in such a world-class squad.
The chance to be rewarded for his hard work is still there for Ings, however. The Saints man, despite not being considered a favourite, is in a fantastic position to take home the Golden Boot. With 16 goals, three away from top-placed Aubameyang, Ings could shock the world by confirming his golden touch at the end of the season.
Favourable Fixtures
Ings and Southampton have some favourable fixtures, too, as they look to end the season on a high. They come up against three of the top six, with one of those being against Arsenal’s leaky defence; Ings will unquestionably feel capable of adding to his impressive tally when welcoming the Gunners to St Mary’s. And, with next season’s place in the division almost confirmed, the Saints will have little to play for, allowing Ings to strive towards individual success in a pressure-free environment.
The race will certainly be an interesting one, no matter who comes out on top, as the league finally begins its conclusion. Ings will be keen to shock the world, however, and create one of the stories of the season: from injury woes to Golden Boot heroics. The title certainly sounds a fitting one.
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