Shrewd Northampton Town deal can be the difference between relegation and survival: View | OneFootball

Experienced campaigner has had an excellent start to life at Sixfields.

Tariqe Fosu has enjoyed a brilliant start to life at Sixfields after returning from a year out of the game.

Since signing a one-year contract last month, alongside Cameron McGeehan, the 28-year-old winger has been Northampton Town's standout performer at the start of the campaign, despite only starting two games.

The pair combined to score Cobblers' second goal in an extraordinary 3-1 away win at Huddersfield on Saturday and Fosu added the third by cutely nut-megging former Town stopper Lee Nicholls after he shrugged off a challenge from Terriers' statement signing Lasse Sorenson.

The Ghanaian has been instrumental when available so far after a summer of change at the club and could be the difference as Town look to survive in League One once more.

Fosu is a difference maker

The former Brentford attacker made an instant impact on his league debut at Sixfields, inspiring a 2-1 comeback after his introduction against Exeter City with a scintillating cameo.

Despite starting and being subbed off with an injury at Barnsley, the winger returned to form instantly on his return to the fold, proving his class is permanent.

Fosu was involved in all three goals as Jon Brady's side stunned Huddersfield at the weekend, forming the press that contributed to Helik passing into his own net before smartly laying off to an onrushing McGeehan for the second and a fantastic solo effort himself pretty much ended Huddersfield's hopes.

In games where Fosu has featured more than 30 minutes, Brady's side has been transformed, winning twice and drawing once.

Fosu has proven in his cameos that he still has the quality that previously earned him a move to then-Championship Brentford, despite being doubted after his time out of the game recently.

While the attacker may be using Northampton as a stepping stone back into regular football, his class is certainly more than welcome at Sixfields. It could be the difference between relegation and survival come May 2025.

Fosu must be monitored

Following Fosu's exploits for Town so far, it is incredible to think he was out of the game for a year, especially considering how fast he has hit the ground running.

The winger was without a club since June 2023, when he left Brentford after a loan spell at Rotherham United, before being picked up by Town and what an acquisition it could be.

Fosu has admitted he is "a little bit behind fitness-wise", so Brady mustn't get carried away with the impact the winger is making and continue to manage his minutes accordingly, especially considering his time away from the game last year.

So far, Fosu's displays indicate he is going to be vital for Town this season, so they must wrap him up in cotton wool to ensure he remains fit throughout the majority of the season, at least, to maximise Cobblers' chance of survival in what is a tough division this season.