‘Got to do better’: Alan Shearer slams 25-year-old Newcastle United target for being far too lazy

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Alan Shearer has slammed reported Newcastle United target Youri Tielemans for being far too lazy for Leicester City last night.

Eddie Howe’s side continued their unbeaten run in the Premier League as they picked up a hard-earned point in north London.

Newcastle became the first side to take points from Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium this season and really look like a side capable of qualifying for the Champions League at the moment.

The Magpies will be mindful that they may need to strengthen their squad this month in order to keep pace with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United at the business end of the season.

The Northern Echo reported last week that Howe’s side are set to make formal enquiries over both Tielemans and James Maddison this month.

The Belgian was in action for the Foxes last night, while Maddison is still ruled out with an injury. But he certainly did not impress Shearer with his work-rate off the ball. 

Shearer slams Tielemans

Leicester fell to a 1-0 defeat to Fulham last night as Aleksandr Mitrovic’s goal proved to be the difference between the sides.

But Shearer was unimpressed by Tielemans’ efforts to close Willian down, who delivered an inch perfect ball for the Fulham striker.

“If Brendan looks at that goal again, looks at the lack of effort from Tielemans in not closing someone down,” Shearer told Optus Sport.

“We’re praising Newcastle in their efforts tonight, because of the way they closed people and didn’t let Arsenal play, well once Brendan looks at the goal they conceded tonight, he’ll have the same opinion as us that they’ve got to do better when the opposition have got the ball.”

The Newcastle legend was responding to Rodgers’ comments after the game where the Leicester boss had praised his players for their efforts.

Tielemans has undoubtedly been a standout performer for the Midlands side but has struggled in terms of producing consistent performances over the past year.

It’s most likely down to the speculation surrounding his future as he has just six-months left on his current deal.

Despite Shearer’s criticism of the player, Tielemans would be an excellent addition to Newcastle’s midfield but it remains unclear whether the Foxes would be willing to allow him to leave this month.

Leicester have now lost two games on the bounce after they had turned a corner before the World Cup. And with Rodgers’ side sitting just three points above the relegation zone, they may feel it is necessary to keep Tielemans for now and lose him for free in a few months time.