Much was expected of Mo Diame at St James’ Park after his Wembley stunner helped Hull to promotion, but he is yet to prove himself at Newcastle.
Newcastle United midfielder Mo Diame has admitted to the Chronicle that he needs to improve his attacking output following a disappointing start to his career at St James’ Park.
The signing of the 29-year-old dynamo was billed as something of a coup for a Newcastle when he arrived from Hull City this summer, rejecting a chance to return to the Premier League in order to help drag the North East giants back from the second tier.
However, Diame is yet to recapture the form that inspired The Tigers to promotion at the first time of asking, failing to net in any of his eight games under Rafa Benitez (below).
And the 32-time capped midfielder, who stunning goal defeated Sheffield Wednesday in last season’s play-off final at Wembley, is aware that his manager will have expected more from one of his marquee signings.
“When Rafa Benitez called for me, he called me for more than I am giving at the moment,” Diame told the Chronicle.
“As I say, I am still working hard, that’s why I think I am still in the team, but need to give more offensively.”
Luckily for Newcastle, the likes of Dwight Gayle and Yoann Gouffran have stepped up in front of goal this season, meaning Diame’s ongoing profligacy is yet to damage the club’s title ambitions.
However, the former West Ham and Wigan star already appears unlikely to match his career best tally of 10 from last season (below) with his £4.5 million price tag (SkySports) appearing heavier by the week.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
