Paul Merson thinks if Newcastle United are to stay up in the Premier League Salomon Rondon could be the game changer.
Rondon single handedly carried his team as Newcastle defied all the odds to defeat Bournemouth. The Venezuelan international hit a brace and could have had a hat-trick to his name.
Rafa Benitez brought in the forward from West Bromwich Albion in the summer and the forward showed flashes of brilliance with an excellent display against the Cherries.
He held the ball delightfully, linked up well with the fellow attacking players and used his physique well to outmuscle the defenders. This could be the start of many things and Merson believes the forward needs to strike quite regularly in a bid to keep his side in the game.
“I thought their game management – especially towards the end of the game when they were 2-1 up – was very good.
Rondon got two goals. The second one was a phenomenal header. It was a proper number nine’s header. They have had their fair share of number nines up at Newcastle and it was worthy of one of those guys.
“The goalie was outstanding, he made some good saves.”
