While, at times during his Newcastle United career, Aleksandar Mitrovic has looked like a cult hero in waiting, it seems the Serbian striker is one of the most divisive figures on Tyneside.
It’s amazing to think now that there were initially some raised eyebrows upon Dwight Gayle’s handing of the iconic No. 9 shirt at St. James’ Park, though Mitrovic is now looking at sixes and sevens, anything but a man to bear the burden number 9 brings.
Handed a start against Derby County due to Gayle’s injury, the former Anderlecht man summed his Magpies career up rather well in just 90 minutes. Some decent holdup play helped set up Matt Ritchie’s winner, though he otherwise cut a rather frustrated figure for the Magpies.
The 22-year-old proceeded to miss a golden chance to double the Toon’s lead against the Rams and, with Daryl Murphy having more of a say on first-team proceedings of late, surely has some fighting to do as Gayle gears up for a return.
With that in mind, here’s what the Toon Army on Twitter made of his performance.
That miss from Mitrovic y'day. Can't have a CF who has no idea where the goal is. #NUFC
— David (@oinkbaamoo) February 5, 2017
Why are people so eagre for Mitrovic to fail? Is it a case of people hoping they can say 'I told you so'. Lad is one of us and only 22 #nufc
— NUFC Debate (@NUFC_Debate) February 4, 2017
https://twitter.com/rbedford12/status/827929361126981633
https://twitter.com/michaelconsagra/status/827924121514291200
As I said at the match yesterday I think Mitrovic and Perez are as useless as Bobby Shinton and Billy Rafferty! #NUFC
— Gary Lewis (@GaryLewis3) February 5, 2017
Great win today and the atmosphere was amazing. Diame was amazing, Dummet played well, Yedlin and Hanley too. Mitrovic poor though #NUFC
— Scott Daley (@ScottDaley26) February 4, 2017
The haters have left Paul Dummett and turned there attention to Mitro , get off the players backs #nufc
— Sean (@Sean_NUFC) February 5, 2017
Mitro has 14 in 32 starts for us. In a terrible team last season then in and out this season. He's 22. Bit of perspective. #NUFC
— Daniel. (@danjpeg) February 4, 2017
Mitro could do with some firelighters. #NUFC
— Micky Campbell (@MickyCampbell72) February 4, 2017
