Nobby Solano blames tactics for Newcastle duo's struggles | OneFootball

South American duo Joelinton and Miguel Almirón have struggled for much of an impact at Newcastle early this season.

Although the Brazilian got the winner away to Tottenham, he and his team-mate have came in for some criticism.

But according to Peruvian club hero Nobby Solano, it is the team’s tactics which are to blame for that, rather than the players themselves.

“The problem for them is the defensive mentality I’ve seen so far from the team,” Solano told the Chronicle.

“The team has been under the cosh and didn’t look like a team capable of building from the back and attacking.

“Against Brighton, they started five defenders and then went to a five-man midfield, both set up to absorb pressure rather than attack.

“It means the team isn’t set up to create attacking opportunities.

“Almirón seems to be getting the ball and sprinting as fast as he can to create something and is rushing things too.

“It is the same for Joelinton. He’s relying on massive slices of luck to score in the final third and isn’t relaxed.”

The Paraguayan has yet to score for the Magpies since his January arrival, while the former Hoffenheim man has just one to his name this season.