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Paul Merson hails Newcastle forward trio that can impact Rafael Benitez style
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson insists that Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez can now relax because he’s stumbled across an exciting attacking trio.
The Magpies now have a forward line of centre-forward Salomon Rondon, who is supported by playmakers Ayoze Perez and Miguel Almiron.
Merson insists they have enough quality to keep the North East club out of trouble and that it will allow Benitez to play an attacking brand of football.
Newcastle have picked up 10 points from their last five league gams and have moved up to 15th in the table, which means they are three points above the relegation places.
“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,”
“Those three are definitely as good as anyone in the bottom half. He can relax now, they’re a bit more open and entertaining.
TBR’s View:
Newcastle do finally possess some sort of attacking firepower and it’s true they will need goals to fire them to Premier League safety.
But the team’s real strength lies in the defence, who are one of the best outside the top six of the division and they have some quality centre-backs.
Almiron’s arrival has added something in the final third due to his pace and creativity, but Newcastle certainly need to continue strengthening the attack going into next year if they want to climb up the table.
Benitez is a top-class manager overachieving at St James’ Park and he won’t be too complacent about their top-flight safety yet.