Sam Surridge, a 27-year-old English striker formerly associated with clubs like Stoke and Nottingham Forest, is currently making waves in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Nashville SC. He finds himself in close contention for the prestigious MLS Golden Boot, with 23 league goals, just one behind legendary player Lionel Messi and LAFC’s Denis Bouanga.
Heading into the Final Stages
With only one match remaining, Surridge faces an uphill battle to claim the title. Lionel Messi has two matches left, while Bouanga has three. The critical fixture for Surridge and Nashville SC will be against Messi’s Inter Miami, scheduled for next week.
Aiming for Greatness
Surridge acknowledges the challenge ahead. In his own words, “I’ve probably got to get a hat-trick, so it’s not going to be easy. However, I’ll always back myself to score.” This determination reflects his journey from playing in the Premier League to becoming Nashville’s key scorer.
- Former Clubs: Bournemouth, Stoke City, Nottingham Forest
- MLS Goal Count: 23 Goals
- Upcoming Fixture: Against Inter Miami
Career Transition
Initially hesitant to leave England, Surridge’s move was inspired by Messi’s transfer to Inter Miami. Since his arrival in the United States, he has become the main offensive player for Nashville SC. His impressive form has led to a significant milestone: scoring the game-winning goal in the US Open Cup, marking Nashville’s first major trophy in years.
Personal Growth and Family Life
Surridge credits his renewed focus this season in part to the recent birth of his son, Noah. He stated, “I’ve probably let it eat me up after a bad game, but now I’m focused on family.” This balance appears to have positively impacted his on-field performance.
Adapting to Conditions
As Nashville prepares for the challenges posed by weather conditions in the MLS, Surridge shares insights for his upcoming matches, especially regarding the heat. He believes that English teams might struggle with the climatic differences during the World Cup next summer. “It’s important to pick moments in the game, as the heat can be demanding,” he suggested.
Surridge’s rise in the MLS exemplifies the increasing competitiveness and appeal of football in the United States, highlighting the growing influence of European players like Messi in reshaping the league.
