Alan Shearer has aimed a remarkable blast at Newcastle United’s front three, accusing Joelinton of not wanting to score enough, Miguel Almiron of sometimes lacking quality and Allan Saint-Maximin of being “lazy at times”.
As Newcastle laboured to a 0-0 draw against Norwich– their second in a week – Shearer laid into the £80million front three after they failed to make an impact against the Canaries.
With Joelinton still struggling to fill the number nine shirt and the trio having just four goals between them this season, Shearer said fans were entitled to ask for more.
“£80million the recruitment (team) paid for them,” he said on Match of the Day.
“(The first half chance) was a huge opportunity for Joelinton and it should be in the back of the net. It should be in the back of the net from Almiron (on the follow up).”
He then highlighted the Brazilian taking a throw-in in the final third and ambling towards the touchline as the ball became active again. “But (in Joelinton’s case) you’re never going to score enough goals whilst you’re content and happy with this.
“Joelinton takes a throw-in in the first half and then there’s a lack of reaction to get into the box after (the ball goes into play). If you play that way you’re not going to score the goals. When the ball is eventually played into the box, he’s not in there at all. It gets played out to the edge of the box.
“Almiron works hard, never lacks effort but there’s not enough quality at times. Saint-Maximin shows flashes of brilliance but doesn’t show it enough and looks lazy at times also.
“Joelinton has no confidence whatsoever and basically never looks like scoring. The fans are entitled to ask more of those three for £80million.”
