Alan Shearer has called on Yoane Wissa to add more goals to his game for Newcastle United after an injury-hit first season, while reserving judgment on summer signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo. The Newcastle legend's comments come ahead of the Magpies' clash with Coventry City on Monday, October 12.
Wissa suffered a knee injury days after completing his move from Brentford, keeping him out for three months. His recovery, combined with a disrupted pre-season, left him playing catch-up, and the forward managed just three goals in his first campaign with Newcastle, having scored 20 for Brentford the previous season.
Wissa's return to form
He found his scoring touch on international duty in the summer, netting three times at the World Cup. Wissa carried that form into pre-season, scoring twice in a win over Valencia, before making an encouraging start to the new campaign. After providing an assist in Newcastle's opening game against Liverpool in August, the 30-year-old scored against Tottenham the following matchday.
He has since gone three games without finding the net, against Bournemouth, Leeds United and Hull City. Speaking to Betfair, Shearer praised Wissa's performances but wants to see more from the forward.
"I think in general, Wissa's performances have been good," said Shearer. "You've seen a different Wissa to what we saw last season. We didn't see enough of him last season because of injuries, but I think in the main, he's given Newcastle a little bit more, but he does need to score more goals."
Patience urged for Fernandez-Pardo
Shearer has yet to be convinced by Fernandez-Pardo, who joined Newcastle from Lille for £51 million. "As for Fernandez-Pardo, I think there's no doubt there's potential and ability there," he added. "I've only seen him in a few games so far. I think it's too early to judge whether he's a centre forward or not. I'll have to keep that judgement to myself, but he doesn't look like a natural centre forward as yet."
Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle believes the 21-year-old will need more time to adapt to life in the Premier League. Fernandez-Pardo is yet to score in his first four appearances for the Magpies, with William Osula set to provide another attacking option when he returns from a foot injury.
"He has everything to be a top striker," Jaissle said of the Belgian in his press conference. "He's technically gifted. I'm 100% sure that he will have a bright future with us. We need to give him time. We need to be patient with him. From us, he's totally getting that. We support him, and then you will see that we will get many, many great performances back."
Jaissle's view on Wissa
In contrast, Jaissle has been pleased with Wissa's contributions so far. "I think the same like I mentioned already, a player who can play multiple positions," he said. "He feels really comfortable also playing behind the striker. He's bringing another element into the team then. So I don't want to stick and predict now his future position because I also want to have the open cards. But he's doing an amazing job on the 10 behind the striker."
Newcastle will face Coventry City at the CBS Arena on Monday, October 12, with kick-off at 8pm.
