OPINION
Newcastle United attacker Ayoze Perez was probably thrilled that he scored against Wolves on Sunday even if he was left somewhat frustrated that his side lost 2-1 when all was said and done.
The 25-year-old attacker has struggled in front of goal all season and has missed glorious opportunity after opportunity to prove that his finishing ability was still to be desired.
After 16 league games played, Perez has only two goals to show for his efforts and really given the chances he has had, he should have over double that amount.
While perhaps hitting the back of the net may spur Perez to go on a goalscoring run due to feeling confident, he needed to be made aware that he needs to start being more clinical in front of goal sooner rather than later.
BBC pundit Chris Waddle made this abundantly clear in his post-game verdict on the Magpies’ clash with Wolves as he highlighted that Perez’s inability to convert his chances made him not good enough for the Premier League.
“Without him (Rondon), there is not a lot else,” wrote the 57-year-old for BBC Sport.
“Ayoze Perez got the Magpies’ equaliser but he scores about one goal every 20 chances, which at this level is not good enough.”
Waddles’ remarks were harshly timed considering Perez did score against Wolves, and didn’t overly waste too many chances for once, but thankfully his comments will bring the Magpies forward crashing back to earth in order to ensure he doesn’t rest on his laurels.
Perez must be aware his future isn’t looking overly bright when you consider his first-team status should be in jeopardy.
As while the Magpies attacker’s work-ethic cannot be faltered even Rafa Benitez after watching Perez’s finishing this season must be hoping that January brings him a new No.10 so he can drop the Spaniard on a regular basis.
Hopefully Waddles’ remarks get passed along to Perez in order to fire him up as the Magpies could do with him being able to be relied upon this festive period as well as the fact it would be nice to see the 25-year-old able to silence his doubters.
