Despite recent claims that the Serbian is going nowhere, Aleksandar Mitrovic’s future at Newcastle United remains unclear, as he was left out of Benitez’s latest squad yet again in Wednesday’s game against Burton.
The Chronicle reported last month that the striker would not be sold by United this summer, however his lack of game time for Newcastle this season is hardly conducive of a player in Benitez’s future plans. That being said, the report maintained the striker was happy on Tyneside, with the club seeing the 22 year-old as a young player that can develop further next season.
This is all good and well, however Mitrovic is yet to feature in the last 7 games following February’s 2-2 home draw with Bristol City, failing to be selected for the match day squad on several occasions.
He was an unused substitute on Saturday against Wigan & failed to even make the bench for the visit of Burton Albion on Wednesday night, with the returning Daryl Murphy immediately taking his place.
Despite scoring a great goal for Serbia over the International break, it appears the striker still can’t find a way into the squad, never mind the starting 11. Ominous signs?
When handed his opportunity, Mitrovic has often failed to take his chance in the side, struggling in a season that we hoped may be the making of him.
He may be young and his temperament appears to be improving, but he is hardly showing signs that he could do business in the top flight next season, currently being our 3rd choice striker behind Dwight Gayle and Daryl Murphy.
With additional attacking options certain to arrive should we gain promotion, I’m struggling to see where he fits in, especially given he often fails to feature as it is.
It must be said, he’s rarely moaned given his startling lack of game time and I hope he proves me wrong, but I struggle to see how Newcastle could justify turning down a substantial summer bid, given his form this season and Benitez’s apparent lack of faith in the Serbian.
Unfortunately he has never impressed me and sluggish does sum him up. His lack of pace wouldn’t matter if he could read the game better. Murphy doesn’t seem to be handicapped by a lack of pace. Nevertheless Mitrovic has some strong supporters in the fan base but I do not see a future for him at NUFC going forward.
Teddy Sheringham always springs to mind when I think of players lacking pace but being able to read the game.
Loved him mate, really intelligent player was Teddy.
I do like Mitro and so want him to be our new Carroll, had high hopes. Can’t be sure without checking but I think he’s gotten 4 goals and 4 assists last time I checked, which given his lack of starts isn’t too bad. He is very young still and has time on his side as they say, plenty of young players are written off then blossom later on. He has shown this season that he CAN control his temper so he can improve his game. His lay offs are good and he does read the game well but the chances he is missing is I believe down to rushing/snatching the chance. If he can learn to be more controlled with his chances he will do well. I am loathed to give up on him just yet and I do think he is targeted by Championship players more so than PL players.
I still really like Mitro but he’s needed many more games than he’s had. I’m unsure of his future and would question you asking Olly – substantial bids? Maybe a year ago but now?
I agree in that it’s hard to justify where any big bid would come from, but he’s been linked with £10m+ moves to West Ham, Swansea, Palace over the last few windows. Given his form and apparent position in Rafa’s plans you’d think Ashley would be tempted to get his money back on him.
I think it’s abundantly clear Rafa doesn’t rate Mitro. He’s not disciplined enough for Rafa’s liking.
Agree Stu, and that’s what it comes down to .
Olly, isn’t it odd that all those clubs have had/are interested in him yet a lot of fans and it looks like our manager don’t rate him. Funny old game football.
If you google Kilmarnock Rangers BBC there is a good video showing Freddie Woodman in action. He looks very good.
or if you look at the latest news section on here, you’ll see a full article about him, including that video 😉
Olly – being linked means nothing these days. There’s been no bids as yet and I really don’t think it’ll be Ashley’s call whether he goes or not. He probably doesn’t even know who he is.
Hard to predict this game. They definitely did a number on us at SJP. Impressive they were, albeit very physical and very effective on the counter. We’ll get something I hope.
Mitrovic should be to us what Woods is to Leeds.
He’s simply not good enough, neither is Perez, Murphy or Gouffran imo. Diame hasn’t been good enough at 10 but move him back and I think he’d be worth keeping.
In short, there is an awful lot of investment needed in our attack if we are to be comfortable next season.
We pretty much have a full squad so Rafa’s selections tell you who he rates and who he doesn’t. This time last week I would have been worried about MBemba, but now not so much.
I was a bit worried about Mitrovic when he wouldn’t do a shootout with Gayle for the number 9 jersey at the start of the season. Shearer was supposed to be his idol and for whatever reason he begged off. He exudes commitment on the field but does he have the inner confidence to be a scorer? That says no to me.
Then again he does lay off the ball really well and gets into some good positions. He scuffs too many shots though, but that might be him snatching at his chances as Kimtoon says. I just don’t think he is an instinctive goal scorer who gest the ball in the net somehow, someway, with their shin or knee if necessary as well as the spectacular.
We would take our money back if we can get it. We might, when Jordan Ibe cost 20 million and Jesse Lingard gets 100k a week.
Aarons is back in training. Isn’t this what happened last year when he came back for a cameo against Spurs on the last day? He is recovering from a cruciate injury right? I don’t think I would play him at all and let him have the pre-season.
We cannot count on him, Gouffy is not good enough and Atsu should not be bought. Left winger is the number 2 priority after a goalscorer. Just happen to probably be the 2 most difficult and costly areas to fill.
Think the next two games will be really difficult for us, don’t much fancy us to win either of them. A point or two from both would be good.
Thanks for the offer but no thanks because I am not particularly knowledgeable about the game never having played it. Rugby union was my game at school. A game I enjoyed playing but never liked watching. In the main it doesn’t have the simplicity or artistry of soccer. I love NUFC and like to comment on the games and players as I see them but I wouldn’t take my views too seriously. I don’t.
If we hadn’t done so RELATIVELY badly against **** teams at home we would be saying we had an easy run-in. We just negotiated 2 teams in the bottom 4 with more difficulty than was needed and are now faced with what should be our only 2 real obstacles. Knowing Rafa’s NUFC we will probably win these games precisely because they are more difficult, and then coast home.
I don’t really care if we are champions or not, but perhaps I should. It would be a small statement of intent and I would rather be first than second because that doesn’t happen that often being an NUFC supporter, regardless of how inconsequential it is in the big picture.
Eric, A trophy is a trophy mate, bring it on 🙂
New match day thread folks
https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2017/04/08/sheffield-wednesday-vs-newcastle-united-pre-match-thoughts-team-news-predicted-line-ups/
A preview ahead of today’s late kick off – Cheers