OPINION
With not many games left of the season Newcastle United attacker Islam Slimani can’t wait for chances to fall on his lap if he wants a future at the club.
The 29-year-old forward made his first start for the Magpies against Everton on Monday and submitted a forgettable performance.
Slimani was practically invisible for the whole game, as the Toffees had the majority of possession, with them going on to beat the Magpies 1-0.
Magpies captain Jamaal Lascelles opted to defend the forward’s disappointing display by stating that his teammates failed to provide Slimani with good service.
“He’s a good player and he settled in really well against Arsenal,” said the Magpies centre-back, as quoted by the Chronicle.
“He worked hard for us at Everton and they made it hard for us to play and to give him good service, you can’t point the finger at anybody because we win as a team and lose as a team.”
While there is no denying that Slimani is a forward who benefits from great crosses and passes being played into him, the 29-year-old has to take games by the scruff of the neck.
The forward is the one who is due to return to Leicester City at the end of the season when his loan ends, meaning that it will only be him who misses out on being a part of the Magpies’ bright future.
Slimani’s current teammates won’t lose sleep if they stay in Rafa Benitez’s side while the forward departs St James’ Park.
Based on the three appearances Slimani has made for the Magpies so far, in which he hasn’t scored, he looks certain not to have a future at the club as it stands.
Therefore while it may be a difficult challenge for the 29-year-old, but he has to start forcing opportunities upfront even when his teammates are not putting in good performances in order to stay at the club.