According to a recent BBC Newcastle radio chat that the Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce had with commentator Matthew Raisbeck, the Magpies’ goalscoring responsibilities could fall onto the shoulders of English star Dwight Gayle during the second half of the season. In a clipping from the show that was posted by the show’s host on Twitter, the former Crystal Palace and Aston Villa manager went on to praise the Englishman’s exploits in the Championship last season.
The Newcastle United gaffer further went on to say that he does think Dwight Gayle is a goalscorer, and that could be the answer to the Magpies’ goal-getting concerns as we enter what promises to be a crucial part of the campaign. Bruce even went on to state that he’s always been a big admirer of the striker’s talents, and that he’s been thoroughly impressed by everything the Englishman has shown during the six weeks that he’s been fit.
What Motivated Such High Praise From Steve Bruce?
The English striker has always been a supremely talented goalscorer, who for some reason or another, has never really managed to hit the ground running in the Premier League. Despite his prolonged stay with the Magpies, he’s only ever managed to hit top form in the 2nd division – as was seen in his blistering Championship campaign for West Bromwich Albion last season.
Although Gayle has featured in a total of 35 matches, he only started around half of the fixtures, and didn’t have an impressive goalscoring tally either. On either side of that blip though, the Englishman was a deadly Championship striker. His campaigns at Newcastle in 2016 and West Brom last year resulted in him scoring over 45 goals – an excellent return for a 29-year-old second-choice forward.
What Does Dwight Gayle Add To The Team?
The talismanic forward can be an excellent finisher in and around the box and is often the first person to react to a situation. He feeds off tap-ins and quick finishes in the final third, but is more than capable of finding the back of the net with the odd beauty from long-range. Despite being rather diminutive by physical size, the Englishman is a strong lad who isn’t afraid to put himself about for the benefit of the team.
He can also be a pacy dribbler if deployed down the flanks. Often seen dropping outside to collect the ball and open up spaces for his teammates, his upper body strength and low centre of gravity make him a nightmare for the opposition defenders.
Can Dwight Gayle End Newcastle’s Goalscoring Issues?
Despite the big-money summer acquisition of star striker Joelinton, the Magpies’ struggles in front of goal have remained a constant. Although the Tyneside outfit has attackers like Yoshinori Muto and Andy Carroll at their disposal, none of these personalities has been able to step up and deliver for the Toon Army. After more than three years at the club, this could finally be the year where Dwight Gayle announces himself as a top-class Premier League striker.
