Shearer, the club’s all-time leading goalscorer, was speaking on Match of the Day after Eddie Howe’s side beat Leeds United 1-0.
The result lifted relegation-threatened Newcastle up to 18th in the Premier League table ahead of training camp in Saudi Arabia.
Shearer – who captained the club during his time at St James’s Park – picked out new signing Kieran Trippier in his analysis. The right-back was outstanding at Elland Road, where Jonjo Shelvey was on target with a free-kick.
“I thought he was absolutely magnificent going up against Jack Harrison, whose confidence was really high after a hat-trick,” said Shearer. “He never gave them a kick. His positioning throughout the game, I thought, was superb, both offensively and defensively. Wherever he went, if he got behind him, he blocked him, one v one, it wasn’t a problem. There was just no way past him. Quality gong forward. Everything about his game was superb.”
Shearer added: “For me, he’s future captain material for Newcastle United. I have no doubt that I think he’ll captain Newcastle.”
Jamaal Lascelles – who has captained Newcastle since 2016 – was forced off against Leeds with a hamstring problem. Lascelles handed the armband to Shelvey before leaving the field.
Trippier, 31, joined the club from Atletico Madrid earlier this month for a fee of £12million plus add-ons.
Meanwhile, Newcastle will play a friendly against Saudi Pro League leaders Al-Ittihad on Friday, January 28 before returning to Tyneside the following day ahead of the February 8 home game against Everton.
9. Muriqi nears exit
Lazio striker Verdat Muriqi is ‘one step away’ from leaving Lazio, and Leeds United remain in the race for his signature. (Calcio Mercato) (Photo by Giampiero Sposito/Getty Images) | Getty Images