Algeria manager Rabah Madjer has tipped striker Islam Slimani to be Newcastle’s ‘talisman’ in their battle to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
Slimani joined the Magpies from Leicester in a half-season loan deal on transfer deadline day and could make his debut against Manchester United at St James’ Park on Sunday.
The 29-year-old didn’t live up to expectations at the King Power Stadium, managing just 35 league appearances and eight goals following his club record move from Sporting Lisbon in 2016.
But a record of 48 goals in 82 goals for Lisbon illustrates his pedigree and Slimani’s national team boss is confident the Algerian will reignite his career at Newcastle and solve the goal scoring issue that has plagued Rafa Benitez this season.
“He’s a good striker and staying on the bench isn’t good for the head. Slimani is excellent and will do very good things at Newcastle. He may be a talisman,” the Chronicle report Madjer as saying in Portuguese outled Record.
“[Rafa] Benitez has a lot of experience and will be important on a psychological level. Slimani will solve a big part of Newcastle’s problems.”
Slimani was absent for the 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace last weekend due to a thigh injury but a return to full training has given him a chance of featuring against Jose Mourinho’s side.
