Former NUFC midfielder John Barnes has delivered his verdict on deadline day striker signing Islam Slimani, stating the fans will definitely take to him due to his aggressiveness, strength and ability to score goals.
The ex-England international has not long come out of the Big Brother house, however he’s been quick to have his say on the Leicester loanee, giving NUFC fans real reason to believe he’ll be just the sort of striker who’d thrive at St James’ Park.
Here’s what he’s had to say about the 29-year-old’s style of play, explaining why he’s the sort of striker Newcastle fans will love:
“I like Slimani. He’s a number nine, he’s good in the box, he’s good in the air and is aggressive,”
“Newcastle like their number nines, which play in the box.
“At Leicester it didn’t really work out because they have others that play ahead of him, but he’s a big strong boy and the fans will definitely take to him.
“He’s got a good goalscoring record and good quality, and I think he’ll really help Newcastle.”
This seems spot on from Barnes, who seems adamant that Slimani will quickly become adored on Tyneside.
He’s big and strong, but it’s his aggressiveness, dominance in the air and quality in the box will be exactly what we’ve been missing over the season. There’s nothing worse than a big unit who doesn’t apply himself, but from what I’ve seen and from what Barnes says, the Algerian won’t fall into this category.
We love our old fashioned, all action number 9’s who rough up the centre-back and score goals in the box, and I back Slimani to be exactly that. He may not have long to prove it, but I think he’ll hit the ground running as soon as he gets his chance..
