Alan Shearer says ‘outstanding’ player is definitely Newcastle United’s unsung hero right now
James Rutherford
5 – 6 minutes
Alan Shearer will never stop waxing lyrical about this Newcastle United team.
Eddie Howe’s side have done what Alan Shearer could not, bringing silverware back to St James’ Park.
What On Earth Is Going On At Man…
Newcastle United won the Carabao Cup on March 16th, beating Liverpool 2-1. Since then, the celebrations have not stopped.
The Magpies continue to ride a wave of momentum, while supporters never tire of reminiscing about that special day at Wembley.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
The same goes for Alan Shearer, who has been asked to name Newcastle’s current unsung hero during an interview for the Optus Sport YouTube channel.
The Toon icon took it as an opportunity to praise Dan Burn, reflecting on the giant defender’s remarkable story.
READ MORE: Who is Alan Shearer? Stats, Height, Wife, Daughter, Net Worth
“Well he got the hero’s worship in the final, I guess it’s Dan Burn,” he said.
“I said to him afterwards when I was having a drink with him when they were celebrating: ‘You might as well retire because it’s not going to get any better’. But then he said to me: ‘I might score for England on Friday evening’.
“It’s just an incredible story. From where he started to being rejected, having to work his way back up and then finding himself back home in Newcastle. And then for him to go to Wembley and score one of the goals that won Newcastle the cup. It’s the stuff of dreams for a local boy. I wanted that. I craved that. But it didn’t happen. It couldn’t happen to a nicer bloke than Dan.
“He really has been outstanding this season. I’m delighted for him because he’s such a great bloke.”
Newcastle United’s other unsung hero
Burn truly has been outstanding this season. Even before his career-defining moment in the Carabao Cup final and his England debut, the 32-year-old was playing spectacularly well.
But the £13million centre-back is not the only unsung hero at Newcastle United right now.
While there are plenty of Toon players who are rightly receiving a lot of plaudits – notably Jacob Murphy and Tino Livramento – Harvey Barnes is a player who has really stepped up in recent weeks.
Following Anthony Gordon’s red card against Brighton, it was unclear who would come into the side and play on the left of attack. While Barnes was the natural choice, it certainly did not feel like a guarantee.
But he has started every game since, with Barnes justifying Eddie Howe’s faith. The 27-year-old has been decisive in key moments, getting either a goal or an assist in three consecutive Premier League games. Barnes was also influential in the Carabao Cup final, playing a part in both of the Magpies’ goals at Wembley.
READ MORE: Who is Harvey Barnes? Profile, Girlfriend, Dad, Salary, Socials
While Anthony Gordon is a superstar, it is suddenly not guaranteed that he will walk straight back into the starting XI when he is available again.
Barnes has seized his opportunity, and is perhaps the true unsung hero at St James’ Park right now.
The tide is turning when it comes to Alexander Isak’s Newcastle United future.
The forward is relentlessly linked with a move away from St James’ Park, with the world’s best clubs wishing that Alexander Isak was theirs.
Arsenal and Liverpool want Isak, but there appears to be a growing acceptance that they will not be able to get him.
That will delight Toon supporters, who are hoping that the club can do more than just hold on to their top stars this summer.
Liam Delap’s representatives react to Newcastle United interest
On top of retaining Isak, the Magpies want to sign another striker.
Newcastle are interested in Liam Delap, but it appears that a deal might not be possible. It has been reported that Delap wants to be first choice wherever he goes, which will not be on offer at Newcastle if Isak remains at the club.
Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Livesey – Danehouse/Getty Images
According to the Daily Mail, that is why Newcastle United are very unlikely to sign Delap.
They report that the 22-year-old’s ‘camp’ are of the belief that Isak is staying at St James’ Park. In turn, that would mean that Delap’s £30million release clause is unlikely to be activated by Eddie Howe’s side.
Given how well Delap has done this season, that is a shame. However, it is a deal that Toon fans will gladly miss out on if it means Isak is staying put.
Newcastle United chairman on course to get his Alexander Isak wish
It is not just Delap’s representatives who think Isak is staying at Newcastle United.
The Daily Mail add that various people within transfer circles are of the belief that the 25-year-old is not going to be sold.
Given how well he has been playing, the hope has been that Isak will simply cost too much money for his suitors. With a fee of £150million being floated, it seems that hope could now become reality.
That will be music to the ears of everyone at Newcastle United, including PIF chief and chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan.
It was recently reported that Al-Rumayyan does not want to sell Isak, and it appears that he is edging closer towards getting his wish.
