Shola Ameobi has heralded the partnership that has struck up between Newcastle United attackers Salomon Rondon and Ayoze Perez.
Both players netted in the 3-2 win over Everton on Saturday, and it is clear that they have thoroughly impressed former Toon star Ameobi, who joked that Perez is finally starting to “realise” that Rondon is a striker who likes to hold the ball up.
He added that he loves how they are forming such an effective partnership, and that their form when they are together is definitely corresponding to the five wins Newcastle have had at St James’ Park.
“Obviously, Rondon coming in this season has been a huge plus for us. He does so much for the team and the way Rafa likes to set up,” he said on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Football Daily [32:32, 10/3].
“He is the striker who can hold it up. What I love is that Perez is actually starting to realise this. I think this is corresponding to the five wins we have had at home, the link-up play is because they are playing closer together.
“When you have got a guy like Rondon who can win his fair share of headers, you want someone going beyond and really understanding what the other one is doing. They are really striking a bond and a good partnership.”
OPINION
It is no surprise that Ameobi has joined the queue to heap praise on the likes of Perez after this impressive win. He is right though, Perez and Rondon are starting to forge a really good partnership, and this is something that the fans should definitely get excited by. They played ever so well together on Saturday and Rafa Benitez is no doubt crossing his fingers that this is the start of an effective partnership. Why it has taken them so long to form such a bond remains to be seen, but Benitez will not be complaining now that we are in the latter stages of the season. The 25-year-old is definitely bringing the best out of Rondon know, and he is starting to unleash the prolific striker we all know is in him. Either way, it will be exciting to see how this partnership develops in the long run, as we saw signs of it starting to blossom on Saturday.
