Saints forward Adam Armstrong has acknowledged his leadership style in the dressing room, highlighting that he’s not one to “shout at” his teammates, but rather aims to set an example through his actions. This season, the 26-year-old has taken on the role of team captain, filling in for the injured Jack Stephens. This coincides with Armstrong, who was acquired from Blackburn Rovers for £15 million in 2021, making a significant contribution on the field.
Known for his goal-scoring prowess in the Championship, with 16 and 28 goals in his previous two seasons at that level, Armstrong has already netted seven goals in the current season. Additionally, he has taken on the responsibility of penalty duty following the departure of James Ward-Prowse. Armstrong expressed his thoughts on his new role, stating, “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, captain the team. I was captain for a brief period at Blackburn during injuries.”
He continued, “It’s an honor to wear the captain’s armband. I’m not the type to be vocally assertive in the locker room; my focus is on offering encouragement on the field and leading through my actions. I’ve accumulated a lot of experience, having played over 300 games. I intend to bring my knowledge of this league to support the young players when they require it.”
Armstrong also shared, “Becoming a leader is about getting used to the role, and I’m currently enjoying it. It wasn’t something I actively pursued; my primary focus was to work hard and deliver results on the pitch. The manager has placed his trust in me, and I believe I’m repaying that trust with my performance.”
In addition to discussing his personal journey, Armstrong credited the positive impact of the new manager, Russell Martin, who previously led Swansea City. Under Martin’s guidance, Armstrong and several other Saints players have experienced positive changes in their playing style. Armstrong had initially struggled to adapt to the Premier League, scoring only four goals in 53 appearances and transitioning from a number nine role to a defensive winger over two years.
Reflecting on the changes, Armstrong remarked, “Since Martin’s arrival, it’s been excellent. Speaking for myself, the training has been rigorous. The manager’s preferred style of play differs from the previous one, and it’s a shift that I appreciate. Having experience in the Championship, I understand the challenges of the league.”
He continued, “We went through a four-game winless streak, which is typical in this division. When there’s a change in any workplace, it takes time to adjust. The style of play is something the team hasn’t been accustomed to in recent years, and we’re still working on it. Change is always a challenge, but I believe we’ve overcome the initial difficulties and can now progress positively.”
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