Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson makes big claim about Aleksandar Mitrovic
Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson has likened Aleksandar Mitrovic to Alan Shearer, claiming that his performance in Fulham's recent play-off win over Derby was one of 'THE best' target man displays he's seen.
This comes after the 70-year-old was questioned ahead of Saturday's big play-off final between Aston Vill and Fulham - the club he manager for three years - and Hodgson has picked out the Serbian for some special praise.
Hodgson commented on his display during their 2-0 play-off semi-final win over Derby last week, highlighting just how well he used his body to hold up the ball and bring others into play - comparing him to the great Alan Shearer in the process.
Here's what he's had to say about the NUFC loanee ahead of the big game at Wembley this weekend:
"They have Mitrovic, who probably produced the best display of target play I have seen for a long while the other night.
“He used his body well to hold the ball up and either turn the defender, or bring others into the play – like Alan Shearer really.”
This is quite a claim to be making and a huge compliment to Mitrovic's form at Fulham.
I can see similarities, noticing myself just how well he used his frame to pin his man and bully the opposing centre-back during the game last week, however a comparison to Shearer seems a little premature at this stage.
Shearer did this week in week out, year upon year, and this was whilst scoring silly amount of goals in the Premier League - not the Championship.
Perhaps he's just comparing him to Shearer's physical approach and the way he backed into players so well, but he'll have to do this at a higher level and for several more years yet if he's going to justify that sort of compliment.
Gayle looked a predator in the Championship, but I wouldn't have compared him to Andy Cole..
