IF you watch a compilation of Cameron Archer's catalogue of goals, one thing stands out - his tendency to smash the ball past the keeper.
The 22 year old takes his chances as though he's trying to rifle his shot through the net. He applies equal parts power and precision.
It's something he puts down to his instinctive nature. Archer feels at his best when he enters the field with a clear mind.
He prefers to nail the details on the training pitch during the week. Constant work on his finishing ability provides him with the muscle memory required in the final third.
“It’s more instinct really," Archer explained when talking to the Daily Echo. "For most of my goals, I don’t really think. That’s down to a lot of repetition in training.
“It just happens when you get onto the pitch. A lot of hard work goes into it. It’s not always going to come off - sometimes it doesn’t, but hopefully it can continue.
“My best time as a player in terms of goals was at Middlesbrough. I didn’t think too much when I was there - it was all about instinct."
Archer hit 11 goals during his short loan spell on Teesside - a figure which remains his career best in senior football.
Nathan Wood described Archer as a "handful" when he recalled facing him during his time at Swansea.
The England youth international demonstrated an ability to score various types of goals when playing for Boro.
He can hurt teams by taking up good positions or shrugging off tackles before rifling home. But it's his quick finishing that shone through the most.
Archer required just nine touches in the box per goal under Michael Carrick and 2.5 touches in the box per shot.
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For comparison, he's averaged 17.5 touches in the box per Premier League goal. While his touch-to-shot ratio (1.66) has remained low, his on-target success rate has dropped from 43.6 per cent to 23.8 per cent.
That will need to improve if he is to become the man who can fire Saints to safety this season.
He’s already pledged to improve on his four-goal season at the Blades and made a good start with a brace at Cardiff - although a maiden league goal for Saints still awaits.
His net-rifling finishing could be seen during his first Saints start at Cardiff. Although a periphery figure in some moments - he only managed 26 touches - he turns things on in the final third.
Cameron Archer scored his first Southampton goal against Cardiff City (Image: Wyscout)
Archer required just two touches for his first goal - one to set Mateus Fernandes' pass and the second to smash the ball past the Cardiff keeper at the near post.
He hardly took time to check where the goal was. He placed full trust in his final third instinct and was rewarded with a maiden Saints goal.
Archer's second was the product of good movement and a well-placed finish to match. Played in by Tyler Dibling's through ball, Archer lashed a first-time effort into the bottom corner.
“Sometimes you can overthink things," Archer continued. "I tend to let my head rest when I go into games. I don’t really think too much.
“A lot of repetition goes into finishing drills in training to improve that instinct. You can never be perfect but you can be as close as you can to it.”
Archer's attention to detail and willingness to learn has impressed Martin during his short spell at the club.
The boss admitted he is excited to work with a player with the tools that Archer possesses - and hopes to help him sharpen his kit.
That should come as no surprise given Archer's admission that Martin's "brains" and vision for the game played into his decision to join Saints.
READ MORE: Cameron Archer on why Southampton is exactly what he wanted
“That’s a big compliment from Cameron, I appreciate that,” Martin responded when told about Archer’s praise.
“We knew what we were getting with him - but he’s better than we thought. That’s what happens when you watch someone at close quarters.
“He just wants to get better. He wants to score goals, he asks questions. He wants to evolve and adapt.
“As a coach, it’s seriously exciting to work with someone who has his raw talent and athletic ability.
“I think we can help certain aspects of his game. He’s going to be judged on goals. He’s a fantastic finisher who is always in the right place.
“He works so hard for the team out of possession. When you add all of that together, he’s a really top talent who wants to be here, wants to contribute and wants to play this way.”
Martin revealed there will be changes to his team following the international break - and Archer could be one who benefits from the refresh.
Adam Armstrong has struggled to hit the same heights he managed in the Championship last season.
Rather than the confident, clinical finisher that hit 24 goals last season - including the winner at Wembley - Armstrong has snatched at chances. Just see his efforts at Brentford.
Those misses were highlighted by Martin following the 3-1 defeat last month and likely contributed to Armstrong’s halftime withdrawal.
Repaying the club's £15million outlay by earning a spot in the starting lineup is something Archer is aiming for, sooner rather than later.
“Breaking into the first team is something that I came here to do. I need to get my head down now and work hard to get more Premier League games under my belt."
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