Newcastle United fans have been reacting on Twitter after Match of the Day pundit Alan Shearer offered his latest analysis of struggling striker Joelinton.
The Magpies record signing has found life tough since arriving from Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim in the summer of 2019 for a £40m fee.
In 21 Premier League appearances this season, the 24-year-old forward has scored just a solitary goal, while providing only two assists for his teammates.
The South American’s struggles appear to have shattered his confidence and, in a crucial clash with West Brom over the weekend, Joelinton passed up on the opportunity to shoot while leading a Newcastle counter-attack, instead choosing to try and pass to Ryan Fraser.
His pass was easily intercepted by a Baggies defender, and the game finished goalless. Speaking on Match of the Day 2, Shearer couldn’t understand why Newcastle’s No.9 had failed to pull the trigger.
“I don’t know why Joelinton is even thinking of passing that,” Shearer said. “Get your shot away – you’re 11 yards out.
“If the ‘keeper saves it, then Fraser has got a tap-in. If you are going to pass it, which you shouldn’t, then you’ve got to find that pass, and that is a big opportunity.”
It’s an assessment that most fans appear to agree with:
“He is simply not good enough to wear the number 9.”
“My question is, is Bruce saying this to him? Is he watching footage back with the players through the week and telling them exactly what they did right or wrong? Is he telling them exactly what decisions he wants them to make in certain scenarios?”
“1 goal per 20 games, unable to hit a barn door from 4 yards, he was always going to pass the buck.”
“More coaching from Shearer in one quote than he’s had from Bruce in two seasons.”
“Careful, you will be accused of destroying his confidence”
“As ever, Alan is absolutely spot on. What a bloke.”
Newcastle face Aston Villa and Brighton in their next two fixtures, and Bruce will need Joelinton – or anyone else – firing if his side are to take anything meaningful from those games.