Jermaine Jenas believes Ryan Fraser has been one of the driving forces behind our recent rise to form under Eddie Howe.
The former Toon midfielder and current pundit praised the Scot’s display in Sunday’s win over Aston Villa, believing he looks fitter and stronger following a run in the side.
Speaking on Match of the Day 2, Jenas also talked about his no nonsense wing play being something Chris Wood will thrive from, believing the pair will soon form a fruitful partnership – delivering the sort of early crosses the big striker will love.
Here’s what he had to say when discussing the Newcastle player who stood out for him last weekend:
“What I loved about Newcastle, and I think Eddie Howe mentioned it there, the grit and the determination in their performance,”
“And a player that I thought epitomised that was Ryan Fraser.
“He’s started the last seven games, and you can see it in his play – he’s getting fitter, he’s getting stronger.
“This side to his game I loved. That willingness to get back, to run, set his team on the attack.
“There were times he did things in the game, and it lifted the crowd.
“Him and Chris Wood might be able to form something.
“He delivers the ball early – he’s not one of these players that dwells on it. He gets a yard and puts the ball into the box.
“Chris Wood knows when to make the run. It didn’t quite come off (vs Aston Villa), but it’s something they can build on and use.”
After looking injury prone and unmotivated under Steve Bruce, Fraser is finally showing us why were delighted to have signed him on a free transfer 18 months ago.
His energy levels, passion and outstanding team work have been brilliant to watch in recent weeks, with it also great to see him score his first Premier League goal for the club in last week’s win over Everton.
He got into double figures for assists just a few seasons ago, being one of Howe’s main creators at Bournemouth, so let’s hope Jenas is right when it comes to him and Wood striking up a potentially lethal partnership!
If you check all the papers and blogs it appears we have 15 or 16 “unsung heroes” every week.
Freddd(Quote)
Don’t know about a fruitful partnership with Wood?
Despite winning the last three games, an own goal, three free kicks and a scramble home by Fraser I haven’t witnessed us creating much from open play or delivering dangerous stuff into the box, big plus has been the work rate and togetherness.
Joseph(Quote)
Fraser put a few good balls into the box for Wood on Sunday. One front post which Wood almost got to and another he headed wide.
Early days but Fraser cuts in and puts decent balls in which Wood will like. He just needs a goal!
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Olly:
Agree that a goal for Wood will help but don’t think he will ever be prolific in front of goal.
IMO his only attribute is to give defenders a rough ride and create space for others.
Joseph(Quote)
Yeh, I reckon he could be someone who benefits the team / gives ASM space through unselfish work, not so much a talisman who’ll score.
Saying that, he can clearly score goals if you get good balls into the box! At Burnley, he got into double figures in every season – something only a small handful of PL players have done over the past few years (Son, Salah, Vardy, Wood and one or two others, I believe).
Olly Hawkins(Quote)