Fulham striker earns big praise from Newcastle and England legend Alan Shearer

Rodrigo Muniz has received praise from Premier League legend Alan Shearer for his display in Fulham’s 3-1 win over Bournemouth on Saturday.

The Brazilian forward scored twice for the Whites to add to his first league goal of his career in the previous weekend’s 2-2 draw at Burnley.

Fulham signed Muniz from  Flamengo in August 2021 and spent last season on loan at Middlesbrough.

A hamstring injury to Raul Jimenez has led to an opening up front.

Muniz’s performance at Burnley ensured he started ahead of Chelsea loanee Armando Broja for the visit of the Cherries.

“He really was a handful – horrible to play against,” former Newcastle  United sharpshooter Shearer told BBC’s Match of the Day. “That always is a good thing for a centre-forward, it is what you have to be.

“He was strong, ran the channels and brought players into the game. He really upset the Bournemouth defenders in every way.

“He was willing to run in behind and on one of the occasions he does that they get their first goal because of that. I really enjoyed his performance. We haven’t seen enough of him because he has been out on loan or injured.He’s got to produce that every week now.

“They have signed Broja on loan but he has a real opportunity to stay in the team if he keeps performing like that.”

Fulham head coach Marco Silva said: “When you play against sides who press really high and go man-on-man almost every time, you need someone [like Muniz]. He did so well.”

Bobby De Cordova-Reid opened the scoring for Fulham as they recorded their first league win of 2024.

The west Londoners have won five of their last seven home league matches – only one fewer than they managed in the whole of the 2022-23 season.

Fulham are 12th in the standings and welcome Aston Villa to Craven Cottage on Saturday.

PICTURE: PA