BBC pundit Martin Keown believes that Salomon Rondon could be the key to Newcastle United’s survival hopes, and attributes the Venezuelan’s success this season to the management of Rafa Benitez.
The 29-year-old scored the winner in the Magpies’ crucial win over Huddersfield on Saturday afternoon, a result that moved Benitez’s side six points clear of the relegation zone.
Speaking as a pundit on Final Score (BBC One, Saturday December 15th), former Arsenal defender Keown spoke highly of the South American’s significance to the Toon Army.
He said: “Rafael Benitez is getting something from Salomon Rondon that other managers could not. He looks effective playing in this Newcastle team; strong, rugged.
“He is always an outlet and he is always chasing balls down.”
OPINION
Goals will keep Newcastle United up, and Salomon Rondon is the Magpies’ chief source of strikes. Despite looking poor for much of the game against Huddersfield, the Toon Army managed to sneak a vital three points, and if they are to beat the drop then they will have to pull off this kind of smash and grab on a regular basis. For most of this season they have looked well below average, but the one place in which they hold an advantage over their relegation rivals is the fact that they have a proven goalscorer in Rondon. Only Fulham, with Aleksandar Mitrovic, have a comparable centre forward who they can rely on to provide the goods when they are needed most. There are still many things that Rafa Benitez has to sort out in this Newcastle side, but igniting the predatory spark in Rondon could well prove the be the best first step to take.