A lot of Newcastle United fans have reacted to Florian Lejeune’s performance against Leicester City.
The Frenchman, who is valued at £5.4m by Transfermarkt, had a nightmare as he gave the ball to Ayoze Perez, who scored Leicester’s opener (0:30) before then losing the ball again, and James Maddison punished him by blasting a strike into the top corner. (1:08)
Lejeune looked shot both physically and mentally, and the effects of playing four games in 10 days really hit the 28-year-old.
Should Lejeune have played all of the festive games?
Yes
No
Lejeune has just returned from a long-term injury, and this is probably the last thing that he needed, but injuries to three other Newcastle centre-backs meant that he had to play.
Lejeune had a shocker, and some Toon fans did not hold back in their assessment of him.
Lejeune is playing like someone who has had to start four matches in 12 days after not playing for eight months…
— KTDT (@KTD89) January 1, 2020
Regardless of time off he is a professional passing across the box is basic defending no no. Failing to put your laces through a clearence is shoddy if your not comfortable then adjust position first then play the ball even amateur know how to do that.
— Les Johnstone (@Madmagpie852075) January 1, 2020
No excuses for not being able to kick a ball
— Matty (@MattyRowan98) January 1, 2020
During that 8 months he have seem to lost his IQ how to play the game… ?
Speed has never been his forte anyway so the lack of it isn’t really his fault.— Mr. Man (@kikkeliskokkel9) January 1, 2020
Other Newcastle supporters, though, have sympathy for Lejeune.
honestly feel for the lad
2 crutiate injuries not played for 8 months 4 games in 10 days he’s hardly gonna be at the peak of his game is he #NUFC
— UTFM (@TheAmeobi) January 2, 2020
He shouldn’t of been in that position, players are supposed to be gradually introduced back into the team. To prevent injury and build fitness.
— Murphy (@peemurfie) January 1, 2020
He’s come back from two serious knee injuries as well, so called supporters bagging him need to cut him some slack…..
— cabbage_76 (@ClintonWright3) January 2, 2020
Or, more worryingly, someone who will not regain the heights he had pre-injuries.
— Gary Meggaz Megson (@TheHonestJohns) January 1, 2020
What do we think?
Lejeune, before his injury, was arguably one of Newcastle’s best defenders, and he was impressive against Crystal Palace.
That really should have been his only game over the festive period as he continues his recovery.
However, injuries meant that Bruce played him every game, and by the end, Lejeune was a shadow of his former self.
Newcastle face Rochdale next, and the Frenchman has to be rested.