Many columnists have been wondering why Egypt coach Hassan Shehata always insists to keep Meteb on the field even when the Ahli marksman is wasteful and off-form.

The 26-year-old failed to deliver the goods with the national side on many occasions lately but it's always his strike partner who heads for the dugout.

Whenever critics demand an explanation for why Shehata tends to play Meteb regardless of the outcome the controversial hitman loses composure and turns offensive.

He once said only ex-players are qualified to criticize him because they know 'how tough his task is', unlike the journalists who have never played professional football.

After the Pharaohs' 2-0 win over Benin in the African Cup of Nations Meteb called on 'people to focus on the competition and let him be'.

Such statements usually result in much fiercer attacks from media men or even vilification.

Meteb gets shaken whenever someone takes a swipe at him, which clearly reflects on his performance.

For this reason, the high-profile international has to find a constructive way to solve this problem instead of trying to shut everyone up.

Critics and experts will always be there to come down hard on underachievers. Some of them speak their minds while others are driven personal motives.

Meteb needs to show them all more respect in order not to be panned every now and then.

Otherwise, it would be better for him to turn a deaf ear to all pundits' comments and just try to maintain a consistent form.