Rondon’s Workrate Will Endear Him to Newcastle Fans This Season

Whilst many Newcastle fans viewed the summer transfer window as a major disappointment, the club did still manage to strengthen their forward line with the additions of Yoshinori Muto and Salomon Rondon, who arrived from Mainz and West Brom, respectively. The latter already has Premier League experience and is likely to prove a useful addition. He has a tremendous work-rate and is likely to give 100% throughout the campaign which should help endear him to the Geordie faithful.

Source: Salomon Rondon via Twitter

The Venezuelan was relegated from the Premier League last season but he was part of a West Brom side who suffered from a number of off-the-field issues and he was forced to work under a succession of different managers throughout the campaign. He has chalked up 24 top-flight goals during his career, although the majority of those strikes have arrived whilst playing as a lone frontman. He is likely to benefit from Rafa’s more adventurous tactics and the Spaniard is expecting his new signing to give the side a more physical edge in the final third.

The 28-year-old’s game isn’t just about power. His mobility is considered a major asset to any side. When playing alongside Jay Rodriguez, he clearly benefited from having a strike partner and his runs tend to open up space for team-mates which in turn, help create plenty of opportunities. He won’t give the opposition defence a moment’s rest and that will surely delight the St James’ Park regulars. Fans will enjoy his tendency to chase lost causes and set off in pursuit of any loose ball.

He does tend to score in runs, however, and his goals often arrive in twos and three. A prime example was his headed hat-trick against Swansea in 2016, which was described as ‘fantastic’ by his then-manager Tony Pulis. The pinpoint deliveries of Matt Ritchie look to be an inviting prospect for a player with Rondon’s ariel ability.

Source: Sky Sports Premier League via Twitter

Some pundits were tipping Newcastle for relegation this season but the Magpies appear to have a relatively strong squad and they put in a decent shift against Spurs on the opening day of the new campaign. They should have taken a point from that contest and showed enough to suggest that they can be competitive this year. They are still available at 9/2 in the Premier League odds to fall back into the Championship, which is an attractive price for those who believe that they lack the necessary quality to stay afloat.

The signing of Rondon was met with ambivalence from large sections of the Toon army but if he continues to work hard and put in 100% effort throughout his time on Tyneside, he will win over the supporters easily and is likely to become a fan favourite. He’s been operating in a below-average West Brom side and was often forced to drop too deep under Tony Pulis. He should benefit from working with an experienced coaching team, who are likely to get the best out of the South American workhorse.

The former Zenit man doesn’t arrive as a prolific goalscorer but his link-up play will be absolutely vital and he should be able to hit double figures in black and white. Rondon should be able to endear himself to the Newcastle fans this season and he looks to be the ideal replacement for Aleksandar Mitrovic.

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