A lot of Newcastle United fans have responded to a tweet by Adrian Durham through his Twitter account @talkSPORTDrive.
The TalkSPORT host was replying to a tweet by Craig Hope on Joelinton and decided to slate Rafael Benitez for not wanting to keep Aleksandar Mitrovic at St. James’ Park.
Who is the better player?
Mitrovic
Joelinton
Durham asked which was the bigger mistake: letting Mitrovic leave, or signing Joelinton?
However, many Toon fans responded and put Durham firmly in his place with their views on Mitrovic.
Ties in nicely with another excellent piece of yours. Mitrovic saying he loves to score goals. Still can't get my head round Rafa not wanting him. And no red card since 2016! Begs the question – why sell him? And which was the bigger mistake? pic.twitter.com/Gz5e4mu3Ty
— Adrian Durham (@TheAdrianDurham) February 21, 2020
Because Mitrovic was rubbish. And lazy. He was outscored by Daryl Murphy and Dwight Gayle in the Championship. Last year we had Rondon and Perez, both significantly better than Mitrovic. He was surplus to requirements.
— The Steve (@TheMightySteve) February 21, 2020
Perhaps because both teams who built their attack around him in the PL were relegated. He also scored 4 in 25 for NUFC in the Championship. Anyway it’s a silly question to pose given he was replaced by a far more suitable striker for the system in Rondon.
— McJade (@Karlos_McJade) February 21, 2020
Infuriating. Rafa didn’t get the Mitrovic money to sign a different striker either, we just got Rondon on loan. Mitro basically sold and not replaced permanently. A massive error to let him go. Can’t help but think Bruce would absolutely love a striker like Mitro now.
— Jordan Knill (@Kniller_) February 21, 2020
When we were in championship he scored 4 goals in championship so when an offer came in of a decent amount rafa might have thought I can get a better striker for that amount
— Sam Gregory (@screg17) February 21, 2020
He couldn’t get into the side. Other players outscored him in the championship and we had Rondon in the PL who was a better player. He could have been given more chances but was a lot of money we got for him
— DaveC1992 (@DaveC1992) February 21, 2020
Ah not this again, like a broken record. 9 goals in 40 games. 2 red cards. At that time it just didn’t work out. Would I have him back now? Absolutely. But hindsight is a great thing and circumstances change season to season. This debate belongs in 2018.
— Chris grievaaa (@chrisgreva) February 21, 2020
The thing is with Mitro he does score goals but is he a team player and does he put the effort in?
Both times he has played in premier seasons both his teams have been relegated as well
— nick (@nicholasnufc1) February 21, 2020
What do we think?
Durham may got a reaction out of many Toon fans, but they have a point.
Benitez wanted rid of Mitrovic because he saw Salomon Rondon as a better option, and his decision was entirely justified by a return of 12 goals, seven assists and a 13th-place finish in the 2018/19 season.
Mitrovic, meanwhile, scored 11 goals for Fulham but could not save them from relegation.
The 25-year-old was indeed poor in the Championship for the Toon, managing four goals in 25 games while Dwight Gayle, Daryl Murphy, Ayoze Perez, Jonjo Shelvey, and Matt Ritchie all scored more.
Joelinton has struggled so far, but Newcastle were perhaps correct to get rid of Mitrovic.