Troy Deeney has taken a swipe at Joelinton for scoring just two top flight goals last season, insisting that he is still a ‘Premier League striker’ despite suffering relegation.
The Chronicle recently revealed that Newcastle were ‘offered’ the chance to sign the Hornets star this summer – who looks set to leave Watford after 10 years – but pursued other avenues, which is no surprise after claims the injury prone 32-year-old would demand £100,000 per week wages.
In an interview with The Sun, Deeney star compared his numbers to our £40m Brazilian, claiming that he is still a far superior footballer and capable of playing at the highest level:
“I definitely still see myself as a Premier League striker,”
“I scored double figures last season on one leg. Now I’m over my knee troubles. I’m back on two legs.
“I got ten in the league from 27 games, which was not a bad return.
“I know it includes penalties but Bruno Fernandes scores penalties as well at Man United.
“I’m not comparing myself to Fernandes but I’ve scored the opportunities presented to me.
“How many did Sebastien Haller get last year for West Ham? Six or seven. Or Joelinton for Newcastle? Two.
“Put it into context: these are £40million players and I only cost £300,000. My time’s not up.
“Physically or mentally, I wasn’t as fit as I needed to be last season but I learnt that I shouldn’t have pushed to play so many games and should have missed one to come back fitter for the next one.”
Deeney did in fact score 10 goals in 27 games last season, but his age and injuries issues have clearly but a host of top-flight clubs off him – including us.
As for Joelinton, the 24-year-old will know that last season wasn’t good enough in front of goal.
After all, he didn’t choose his price tag, nor did he play in his preferred position last year – being used as a target man by Steve Bruce.
He needs to up his game this season, but I don’t think he deserves or needs to be slated by a fellow professional in Deeney.
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Joelinton may have only scored two league goals, but Troy Deeney’s got a face only a mother could love!
If Deeney ends up back in the Premier League next season it’ll be a miracle, especially if he’s demanding huge wages?!
Gary Linskey(Quote)