ALAN SHEARER SLAMS MATHIAS JAISSLE OVER POOR SQUAD SELECTION — QUESTIONS WHY IN-FORM NEWCASTLE STAR ISN’T ALWAYS IN THE STARTING XI
Yoane Wissa has looked like a man reborn despite scoring just one goal for Newcastle United this season.
Alan Shearer wants Yoane Wissa to score more goals and justify his No.9 shirt at Newcastle United.
Matthias Jaissle has deployed the DR Congo international in the No.10 role this season. Few expected Wissa to look as lively and purposeful as he has done given the lack of quality in his debut campaign.
Toon chiefs stumped up £55million to sign Wissa last year but his season was marred by injuries. He scored just one Premier League goal, with talk of a potential exit materialising over the summer.
However, the 30-year-old regrouped at the World Cup – scoring three goals – to give himself a solid foundation ahead of the new season. While his performances have improved, Wissa’s only goal came in the 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
Speaking to Betfair, Shearer called for the No.9 to step up in front of goal. He also questioned whether £51million recruit Matias Fernandez-Pardo is a striker.
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Alan Shearer on Yoane Wissa
“In general, Yoane Wissa’s performances have been good,” Shearer said. “You’ve seen a different Wissa to what we saw last season. We didn’t see enough of him last season because of injuries, but I think in the main, he’s given Newcastle a little bit more, but he does need to score more goals.
“I know he’s at times played as a 10 and I can’t fault his work rate at all. His work rate has been excellent, but he does need to add goals to his game too.
“As for Fernandez-Pardo, I think there’s no doubt there’s potential and ability there. I’ve only seen him in a few games so far. I think it’s too early to judge whether he’s a centre-forward or not. I’ll have to keep that judgement to myself, but he doesn’t look like a natural centre-forward as yet.”
Alan Shearer doubles down
Shearer also reiterated his belief that the Magpies will finish between 10th and 14th this season. He added: “It’s been a pretty positive start for Newcastle. The results that they’ve had are as I expected. I do think it’s going to be an up and down season. I think where Newcastle are going to have to improve is in goalscoring positions.
“That’s the one thing that they’ll have to improve on in terms of creating the chances and who’s going to put the ball in the back of the net for them. It’s worked for them up to now, but I don’t see how you can sustain that in the little number of chances you’re creating and keep on getting results.
“However, in general, it’s been a decent start. But because of how young and inexperienced that team and squad is and the manager, I do think it’s going to be a bit of a yo-yo season for Newcastle. I still haven’t changed my mind. I think they’ll finish anything from 14th to 10th.”
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