Is Leon Best Lazy?

Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni said last week about striker Leon Best: "I have strikers that give me far more options than Best, because he doesn't run, he stands still too much." But Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has called for Trapattoni to have a rethink. The coach did not include Best in his squad for the Republic's recent Euro 2012 qualifiers, citing the frontman's lack of work rate as a reason for his exclusion. Alan Pardew: "I was a little bit disappointed with the manager's comments, because I thought they were a little bit unfair. "He's got very good strikers, Trapattoni, - make no mistake about that. "But to question Leon's work rate, I think, was unfair. I'll tell him that if I ever see him. "I think he should perhaps come and have another look at Bestie. He might change his mind. I think Leon Best's playing as well as any striker in that Irish squad." But perhaps the Italian has a point because Sunday's stats showed Best ran less than anyone in the Newcastle team (up until he was substituted) against Spurs.  

Source: FOOTYMAD