Sam Surridge: Can the No.9’s Premier League pedigree propel Nashville to Leagues Cup final?

Leagues Cup has seen players rise to prominence for their teams, and of course Lionel Messi’s start to life at Inter Miami has been the most notable example of big power-shifts within teams during the tournament. With Leagues Cup 2023 reaching the vital semi-final stage, a similar narrative is starting to evolve around English forward Sam Surridge, a journey marked by resilience, skill, and an innate knack for scoring. From his formative years at Bournemouth to his current exploits with Nashville SC, let’s take a look at the story of Nashville’s Englishman.

Sam Surridge's love affair with the beautiful game ignited at Bournemouth, on the South Coast of England, where he enrolled at the academy at the tender age of 14. Progressing through the ranks, Surridge's gift for finding the net was evident early on. He honed his skills during loan spells at Poole Town and Yeovil Town in the 2017/18 season, tallying an impressive 10 goals in 53 appearances.

From League Two to the Premier League

Surridge's potential blossomed further during a loan stint with Oldham Athletic in the 2018/19 season. A remarkable 12 goals in just 20 appearances earned him the coveted League Two Player of the Month award. This feat set the stage for his Premier League debut with Bournemouth in February 2019, where he continued his scoring spree, subsequently earning recognition as the club's Under-21 Player of the Year.

Continuing his evolution, Surridge embarked on a loan adventure with Swansea City in the Championship during the 2019/20 season. With seven goals in 23 appearances, he affirmed his ability to shine on a higher stage. Stoke City beckoned in August 2021, and Surridge made an immediate impact, netting on his debut. This period reinforced his reputation as a reliable goal-scorer in the EFL Championship.

In January 2022, Surridge's journey took a monumental turn as he joined Nottingham Forest. His contributions proved pivotal in Forest's triumphant return to the Premier League after a 23-year hiatus. The domestic stage wasn't the sole arena where Surridge left his mark; his consistent excellence led to a call-up for the England U21 squad. He made an impactful debut by scoring in a 2–2 draw against Slovenia.

Nashville SC's Striking Savior

A defining chapter in Surridge's journey unfolded on July 25, 2023, when Nashville Soccer Club unveiled him as their third Designated Player until 2026, with an option for 2027. His arrival symbolised ambition, and it became evident during his inaugural match. Displaying the hallmarks of a true marksman, he netted a game-tying goal and audaciously executed a panenka during a penalty shootout.

Memorable Moments in Leagues Cup

Surridge's first match for Nashville SC against Club América was a spectacle to behold. He dazzled fans with a breathtaking game-tying goal and a cheeky panenka in the penalty shootout, immediately living up to his billing as the club's newest Designated Player.

In his second match, Surridge once again seized the spotlight. In a quarter-final showdown against Minnesota FC, Nashville SC's dominance was undeniable as they routed their opponents 5-0. Amid this triumph, Surridge found the net for the second time since his move from the Premier League.

Surridge and Nashville SC will face another huge LIGA MX challenge in the semi-final of Leagues Cup 2023 - the Rayados of CF Monterrey. He managed to make the difference against another Mexican giant in the round of 32, can the Englishman in Nashville do the job again?