TalkSPORT pundit Perry Groves has showered praise on Newcastle United frontman Salomon Rondon after his performance against Bournemouth on Saturday.
The former Arsenal man was seriously impressed by the Venezuelan international’s efforts at St James’ Park, where Rondon scored both goals in the Magpies’ 2-1 win over Eddie Howe’s side.
“All they did, they played 4-4-2, right, and they got it from back to front – forward – very quickly,” he told talkSPORT. “They played Rondon up front who completely bullied [Nathan] Ake – completely bullied him.
“All you had were your two centre halves of Newcastle, being strong and physical and winning their battles. Your two centre midfield players for Newcastle, winning their battles. And Rondon actually winning his battle against, basically, the whole back four – no one could handle him physically,” he finished.
OPINION
Groves is absolutely right with what he is saying, here. Rondon was an absolute handful on Saturday and no Bournemouth player could handle him. He’s a bit of a throwback centre forward in that he’s not amazing technically but he’s completely dominant in the air and he needs multiple defenders on him at all times. That was the case against the Cherries who simply didn’t know what to do with him. He got his just rewards for his menacing display with two goals that will do his Newcastle career the world of good. He’s struggled with injury at the start of his Magpies tenure so it was important that he got in amongst the goals as soon as possible. He did that emphatically at St James’ Park in what was an excellent team performance from the hosts. Groves is correct, he bullied Ake – a player who the Telegraph reports is attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.
