Overview
Nathan Redmond, born on March 6, 1994, in Birmingham, England, is a professional footballer recognized for his attributes as a wide attacking player. Primarily deployed as a winger on either flank or occasionally as an attacking midfielder, Redmond has built a career characterized by speed, close control, and the ability to beat defenders in one-on-one situations. His career journey has seen him play for various clubs in the English Football League and the Premier League, as well as experiencing football in other European leagues. Redmond's nationality is English, and he has represented his country at multiple youth levels before making a senior international appearance.
Position
Redmond’s primary position is that of a wide midfielder or winger. He is adept at playing on both the right and left wings, offering versatility to his managers. His role typically involves providing width, driving past full-backs, and delivering crosses into the penalty area. He also possesses the capability to cut inside from the wing, particularly when playing on the right, to shoot on his stronger right foot or combine with central attackers. This flexibility allows him to adapt to different tactical setups, whether in a 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, or 4-4-2 formation, where his pace and dribbling are utilized to stretch opposition defenses.
Identity
Nathan Redmond's footballing identity is defined by his dynamism and directness. He is often described as a 'pacy wide attacker' who thrives on taking on defenders and creating opportunities through individual skill. His ability to maintain possession under pressure and his quick changes of direction make him a challenging opponent for full-backs. Beyond his individual flair, Redmond also exhibits a work rate that contributes to defensive phases, tracking back and supporting his full-back, especially in systems that demand high pressing and defensive responsibility from wide players. This combination of attacking threat and defensive effort makes him a valuable asset to any team.
Career path
Nathan Redmond's football career began in the youth setup of his hometown club, Birmingham City. He joined their academy at the age of eight, progressing through the ranks and earning a reputation as one of the club's brightest prospects. His senior debut for Birmingham City came on August 10, 2010, in a League Cup match against Rochdale, making him the club's second-youngest ever player at 16 years and 173 days old, a fact noted by Wikipedia's profile on him. He quickly established himself in the first team, showcasing his raw talent in the Championship.
Birmingham City (2010–2013)
During his tenure at Birmingham City, Redmond made 82 appearances across all competitions, scoring nine goals. His performances in the Championship drew significant attention from Premier League clubs. He was a key player for the Blues, particularly during the 2012-2013 season where he featured prominently. His development at St Andrew's provided the foundation for his subsequent moves to the top flight of English football.
Norwich City (2013–2016)
In July 2013, Redmond made a significant move to Premier League side Norwich City for an undisclosed fee, as reported by Transfermarkt's career history. He spent three seasons with the Canaries, experiencing both Premier League and Championship football. He made 113 appearances for Norwich, scoring 13 goals and providing 16 assists. His time at Carrow Road was marked by periods of strong individual form, particularly during the 2014-2015 Championship promotion campaign, where his contributions were vital in their return to the Premier League.
Southampton (2016–2022)
Following Norwich City's relegation from the Premier League, Redmond moved to Southampton FC in June 2016 for a fee reported to be around £10 million. At Southampton, he became a regular starter and a crucial attacking outlet. Over six seasons, he made 232 appearances for the Saints, scoring 30 goals and registering 27 assists. His most prolific season came in 2018-2019, where he scored nine goals in all competitions, earning him the club's Player of the Season award. He played a key role in numerous Premier League campaigns, often being the creative spark in the team's attack.
Beşiktaş (2022–2023)
In September 2022, Redmond embarked on a new chapter in his career, moving to Turkish Süper Lig club Beşiktaş JK on a free transfer, a move detailed on Transfermarkt's transfer history. He spent one season in Istanbul, making a notable impact in his 28 appearances, scoring six goals and providing five assists. His experience in Turkey offered him a different footballing culture and tactical environment.
Burnley (2023–present)
Redmond returned to English football in July 2023, joining newly promoted Premier League side Burnley FC. His arrival was intended to add experience and attacking prowess to the squad as they aimed to consolidate their position in the top flight. He has since been contributing to Burnley's efforts in the Premier League, aiming to replicate the form that made him a consistent performer in his previous Premier League tenures.
Playing style
Nathan Redmond's playing style is characterized by his pace, dribbling ability, and direct approach to attacking play. As a winger, he excels in one-on-one situations, often using his quick acceleration and close control to bypass defenders. His primary strength lies in carrying the ball forward and creating opportunities for himself or his teammates from wide positions. He is right-footed but comfortable operating on either flank, which allows him to either drive to the byline for crosses or cut inside to shoot.
When playing on the left wing, Redmond frequently looks to beat his full-back with speed and deliver crosses into the box. His crossing technique is generally accurate, capable of finding strikers in dangerous areas. On the right wing, he often employs an inverted winger role, cutting onto his stronger right foot to attempt shots from the edge of the box or play intricate passes with central midfielders and forwards. This versatility makes him difficult for defenders to mark effectively, as they cannot predict his movements or preferred attacking angles.
Beyond his individual attacking flair, Redmond also demonstrates a commendable work rate. He is known for tracking back and contributing defensively, often helping his full-back by pressing opposition players and recovering possession. This aspect of his game has evolved throughout his career, making him a more complete wide player capable of contributing in both phases of play. His defensive contributions are reflected in his tackle and interception statistics, which are often above average for an attacking player, as detailed by FBref's player statistics.
Redmond's passing range is also a notable attribute. While primarily a direct dribbler, he can play incisive through balls and combine effectively in tight spaces. His decision-making in the final third has improved over the years, leading to a higher number of assists and key passes. He can be compared to players like Wilfried Zaha in terms of their direct dribbling style and ability to create chances through individual brilliance, or even to a lesser extent, Raheem Sterling in his earlier career stages, for his pace and willingness to run at defenders. His ability to draw fouls in dangerous areas also provides set-piece opportunities for his team.
Achievements & honours
Nathan Redmond has accumulated several team and individual accolades throughout his career, reflecting his consistent contributions to the clubs he has represented. While major European or domestic league titles have eluded him, he has been a key figure in promotion campaigns and has received individual recognition for his performances.
Team Honours
Redmond was part of the Norwich City squad that achieved promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs in the 2014–15 season. His contributions were vital in their successful campaign, providing goals and assists from wide areas. He also reached a major cup final during his time at Southampton.
| Competition | Club | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Championship Play-offs | Norwich City | 2015 |
| EFL Cup Runner-up | Southampton | 2017 |
Individual Honours
Redmond's consistent performances have earned him individual recognition, particularly during his time at Southampton. His efforts during the 2018-19 season were highly regarded by the club's supporters and management.
- Southampton Player of the Season: 2018–19
These achievements highlight Redmond's impact on his respective teams, particularly his ability to influence games with his attacking prowess and contribute to significant club milestones. His individual award at Southampton underscores his importance as a key player for the Saints during a challenging period.
International career
Nathan Redmond has represented England at various youth levels, showcasing his potential from an early age. His progression through the national team ranks culminated in a senior cap, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Youth International Levels
Redmond was a prominent figure in England's youth international setup. He represented England at Under-16, Under-17, Under-18, Under-19, Under-20, and Under-21 levels. Notably, he was part of the England squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2011 UEFA European Under-17 Championship. He also featured heavily for the England U21 team, making 38 appearances and scoring 10 goals, a record that places him among the most capped players at that level, as documented by Transfermarkt's national team statistics. His performances for the U21s, including participation in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in 2013, 2015, and 2017, consistently demonstrated his attacking capabilities and leadership qualities within the younger age groups.
Senior International Debut
Redmond earned his sole senior cap for the England national team on March 22, 2017. He made his debut as a second-half substitute in a friendly match against Germany at Signal Iduna Park in Dortmund. This appearance, against a strong international opponent, was a recognition of his consistent form in the Premier League with Southampton at the time. Despite only one senior cap, his extensive involvement at youth levels underscores his long-standing presence in the English national team system.
His international career, while limited at the senior level, provided him with valuable experience competing against top talent and under different coaching philosophies, which contributed to his overall development as a professional footballer. The competition for wide attacking positions in the England squad has historically been intense, featuring numerous high-profile players, making a senior cap a significant achievement for Redmond.
What makes Nathan Redmond stand out
Nathan Redmond stands out primarily due to his exceptional blend of pace, direct dribbling, and consistent ability to create goal-scoring opportunities. His capacity to operate effectively on both wings, either by driving to the byline or cutting inside, makes him a versatile and unpredictable threat for opposition defenders. His acceleration and close control in tight spaces allow him to beat players repeatedly, often drawing fouls in dangerous areas or creating space for teammates. This directness in his play is a hallmark of his style, making him a perpetual threat in attacking transitions.
Another distinguishing trait is his evolution into a more well-rounded player, incorporating defensive duties into his game. While always known for his attacking flair, his commitment to tracking back and supporting his full-back has grown, adding another dimension to his contribution. This willingness to engage in defensive work, combined with his offensive output, makes him a valuable asset in modern football systems that demand high work rates from wide players.
"Nathan has always been a player who can change a game with his individual quality. His pace and ability to run with the ball are exceptional." – Ralph Hasenhüttl, former Southampton manager.