The rocket header.. that one-arm goal salute.. Rondon feels like Shearer for a day.. and feels the love from the man himself
Rondon Lerma
SALOMON RONDON was not having it when told his performance was reminiscent of Alan Shearer at his best.
“What? I can never be compared to Shearer,” said the Venezuela international. “He’s a legend here, I have three goals, and he has 206.”
Rondon showed bullying power, scored two goals including a stunning bulletheader, and his muscular hold-up play triggered Geordie memories of the proper centre-forwards they used to worship such as Shearer and Les Ferdinand.
But Rondon knows this was just a start. These were his first goals at St James’ Park, his first in the Premier League this season, and he was not getting carried away. He added: “It’s important for me to stay focused and to keep working. I like to make Shearer happy, because I know how big a fan of Newcastle he is. To play at his high level I have to keep working.”
Shearer, watching at the BBC’s Match of the Day studio, had just tweeted his congratulations to Rondon.
That itself was a thrill, to the player who now wears the No.9. Rondon said: “I’ve seen it and it means a lot to me. When I was young, I saw Shearer on TV, and tonight, we can exchange messages on Twitter.
“That’s amazing, that’s what can happen in football.
I see the legends I’m following and that’s a pressure for me.
“The number nine is too heavy. Especially at this club. Now I have to remain focused and keep scoring.” Rondon is finding his full fitness. He had 68 touches, the most of any Toon player, and ran 11.2km during the game. His first-half goals, especially the header, showed why Rafa Benitez was keen to sign him on loan.
Rondon said: “It was special, I could feel the fans enjoying it. I know they’re looking for goals from me and in the past they’ve looked up to people like Shearer and Andy Cole as strikers.”
Newcastle were excellent in the first half, aggressive, on the front foot and direct. After the break they shored up against waves of Bournemouth attacks after Jefferson Lerma scored in first-half injury time.
Defenders Fabian Shar and Federico Fernandez were superb, Martin Dubravka made sharp saves, and Rondon was inches from a hat-trick.
Benitez (right), who wanted the West Brom forward on a permanent £16million deal, said: “He was the number one target. I liked the player. He has played for his national team and he will not feel the pressure. Just enjoy his goals.”
There were no protests against owner Mike Ashley, attending his seventh game in a row. Benitez said: “It’s like it’s history. Now it’s football, now it’s goals and wins.”