Paul Merson has hailed Newcastle United trio Salomon Rondon, Ayoze Perez and Miguel Almiron as the best front three at any team in the Premier League bottom half.
The high-profile pundit has been impressed by playmaker Perez, big-money January signing Almiron and centre-forward Rondon, who is on a season-long loan from West Brom.
Merson predicted Newcastle to continue their impressive run by beating Burnley 2-1 on Tuesday night at St James’ Park.
“When you often see Rafa Benitez’s side set up, they’re out to not lose before they win, but now he has these three up front – Rondon, Perez and Almiron – he has players who can make things happen,” Merson told Sky Sports. “Those three are definitely as good as anyone in the bottom half. He can relax now, they’re a bit more open and entertaining.”
OPINION
Many Newcastle fans will be well aware of strong criticism of their team from Merson earlier this season, including what they felt were unfair digs at Benitez. Nevertheless, they will certainly appreciate the Arsenal legend’s positive appraisal of three of their first-team stars. The club are on a high after chalking up three consecutive home league wins, and relegation fears will be close to being put to bed if they secure a fourth against a Burnley side who beat Tottenham last weekend. Key to the team’s hopes are battering-ram forward Rondon, a big success since he began finding his feet in December, revitalised playmaker Perez, who had been the subject of much ire from fans earlier in the campaign, and January arrival Almiron. The trio have only started one match together, but it is a measure of Almiron’s calibre that he has hit the ground running after the tortuous transfer saga that preceded him becoming the club’s record signing. Finally, the team have a selection of players worth getting behind.