Mikel Merino completed 90 minutes in the defeat against Leicester on Saturday evening – and the Newcastle United fans on Twitter were critical of his performance.
The 21-year-old has become a firm favourite with supporters since he arrived at St James’ Park in the summer, but the central midfielder came in for criticism for his efforts at the weekend.
Rafael Benitez’s side continued their poor run of form as they suffered a 3-2 loss at home to the Foxes in a thrilling encounter.
The hosts took an early lead through striker Joselu, but were pegged back by goals from Riyad Mahrez and Demarai Gray.
Dwight Gayle thought he had done enough to earn a point for the hosts with his deflected strike, but an own goal from substitute Ayoze Perez settled the contrast.
Newcastle fans on social media singled out midfielder for his individual performance and feel that he is miles behind the pace he set at the beginning of the season.
This Is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets:
Merino has been poor today mind… Well below his usual high standards #NUFC
— Dan (@DZ1892) December 9, 2017
https://twitter.com/AaronLillycrop/status/939561514616479745
Merino has went down hill since signing his contract ?#nufc
— ????? ????? ???? (@blackster_2008) December 9, 2017
Merino shud be doing better than tat, too casual #nufc
— bobby martins (@BobbyGoa) December 9, 2017
Why the hell do we play Merino??? #NUFC
— Sean Taylor (@seantaylor1974) December 9, 2017
Somehow still in it. Lack of confidence and Merino just can't get us ticking. #NUFC
— Shane Saunders (@ShaneSaunders88) December 9, 2017
https://twitter.com/terrybrokebad/status/939553406011826176
What has happened to Merino man seriously #NUFC
— James Archer (@JamesArcher1991) December 9, 2017
Merino really struggled in the heart of the Newcastle midfield against Leicester at the likes of Wilfried Ddidi and Vicente Iborra dominated that area of the park for the visitors.
The Spaniard recently made his move permanent to the North East club, but his levels have dipped significantly.
He has been unable to dictate matches like his early season form suggested he could do and is under pressure for the first time in his short Newcastle career.
Benitez’s side now turn their attention to a clash against Everton in midweek and need a result to avoid their slide towards the relegation places, with the club now 16th in the league table.