This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Jamaal Lascelles has praised Newcastle’s attackers and believes that it won’t be long until they are playing to the best of their abilities.
What did he say?
Although they have shown what they have to offer in glimpses, so far each of the front-three is yet to get firing this season, with just one goal and one assist between Joelinton, Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin.
Despite that, they are apparently impressing in training, and have certainly persuaded their skipper that they have the quality to take Newcastle up the table.
Currently, it would be understandable if the pressure of a lack of goals is getting to them, particuarly Almiron who appears to be low on confidence, but according to Lascelles they are ready to start delivering.
Speaking to Sky Sports News [06/11], as reported by HITC, he said:
“I think once one of them gets that goal, it’ll just break the ice and then they can start expressing themselves more.
“The three of them are always banging in goals, left, right and centre in training. They like to express themselves, so I just think it’s about getting past that first hurdle.
“You have always got the big man Andy [Carroll] on the bench. When Dwight’s back fully fit, we have an exciting team and I think we are in a good position now.”
Attack coming together
All three of Newcastle’s forwards have shown signs that they can be effective for Steve Bruce this season, and so far their lack of productivity has been down to bad luck and poor decision-making.
Saint-Maximin displayed that against the Hammers last week, deciding to pass across goal rather than finish the chance himself, and if he can work on that in training, with his manager’s guidance, he should begin adding goals to his game.
Bruce’s tactics of using the pace of his wingers to run in behind the defence has created numerous chances for his side this term, with the long-range passing ability of Jonjo Shelvey and Sean Longstaff often coming into effect.
The pair have managed three and 1.6 long balls per game respectively, and therefore it is likely just poor finishing letting down the front three.
According to Lascelles they have been prolific in training. That suggests it is only a matter of time before they find their feet in the Premier League, and the confidence boost they should experience upon finding the net for the first should be of huge benefit for the Toon.