Jermaine Jenas has told Match of the Day 2 that Ryan Fraser is looking “fitter and stronger” as he continues to show resurgent from under Newcastle boss Eddie Howe. Newcastle beat Aston Villa 1-0 on Sunday.
The Toon came into the match having secured two wins from two, beating Leeds 1-0, and Everton 3-1. The sense of optimism around St. James’ Park was enormous, a completely different feeling to recent months on Tyneside.
Fraser, 27, has started the last seven Premier League matches for Newcastle and lasted the entire 90 minutes against Villa – after netting in the 3-1 win over Everton. Kieran Trippier nabbed his second goal in two games to win.
But it was Fraser that earned praise from ex-Newcastle midfielder Jenas – heaping praise on the Scotland star’s work rate. He says Fraser could form a relationship with Chris Wood – producing moments that lifted the crowd.
“Ryan Fraser – he has started the last seven games. He is getting fitter, he is getting stronger. Him and Chris Wood can form something. It didn’t quite come off today but something to work on,” Jenas said.
“I love this side of his game, that willingness to get back, to run, to set his team on the attack. He did things in the game that lifted the crowd. His work rate, doing the ugly thing, those moments matter. He was brilliant.”
Jenas on Fraser: Newcastle star back to his best, thanks to Howe
Fraser has alluded to it himself. Signed by Steve Bruce, the winger struggled under the previous Newcastle manager – a lack of momentum, or self-belief instilled in him from Bruce. Under Howe, he is shining.
Jenas is right, he does look sharper, and that comes with a mix of confidence given he is first choice at the moment – and that he looks fitter. Newcastle need grafters if they are going to avoid the drop.
In Fraser – along with numerous other Toon stars – Newcastle have exactly that. He could be an underrated, yet crucial element to safety this season.
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