Alan Shearer has been discussing Sunday’s 2-1 win at Wolves, Joe Willock and the left-winger dilemma facing Eddie Howe.
Both Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon are both at their best when cutting in from the left, but Shearer feels we must find a way to get both into our team and start Gordon down the right, with Isak up top and Barnes in his best position.
Speaking on the Rest Is Football Podcast alongside Gary Lineker and Micah Richards, our former No.9 also mentioned the big role Joe Willock has to play, believing he can have a “really big season” if he can stay fit.
“He (Howe) has got some big decisions to make,” Shearer said. “Barnes and Gordon both want to play on that left-hand side and cut in on that right, and they’re both very good at doing that, hence Barnes [scoring].
“Gordon went down the middle today because Isak came off at half-time. So if he can find a way to get both of those in the team.
Asked what he’d like to see moving forward, Shearer added: “Probably Gordon on the right, Barnes on the left-hand side and Isak down the middle. I mean that’s a really, really good front three.
“Joe Willock can also play on that (left) side too. He’s a real threat and makes such a difference. If you can keep him fit, he can have a really big season. He gives them something different with his energy and ability to run beyond the opposition back four.”
Fitting Gordon and Barnes into the same side works if Gordon is happy to play on the right, but it could get even tougher for Howe between Willock and Joelinton; two key players battling for that left-sided midfield spot.
