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Newcastle United have one of Europe’s most exciting wing prospects in their ranks in Yankuba Minteh and face a big decision: does he stay with the first-team next season?
This piece will look at his progression at Feyenoord, his strengths and weaknesses, and if he’s ready for the Newcastle first-team next season.
EARLY DAYS AT FEYENOORD:
After purchasing Minteh from Odense for eight million Euros, Newcastle United immediately sent “the Gambian Messi” on loan to Feyenoord, in what was seen as a great move; giving our wonderkid the opportunity to work under a great coach in Arne Slot.
In his first pre-season appearance he shone; scoring a penalty and creating 3 massive chances, all of which his teammates failed to convert. After watching this match, I knew we had found a gem.
When the official season started, Minteh showed glimpses of brilliance, but despite this he was a frustration to Feyenoord fans and even his manager. His out-of-possession positioning and decision making were some of his biggest issues; gaining him public criticism from his Arne Slot for having been greedy and playing for himself against PEC Zwolle.
Feyenoord fan and football writer Melvin Dupper (@DupperMelvin on X) told me that from the start of the season Minteh’s “1v1 and dribbling was top-class” but he needed a lot of coaching on his positioning and pressing.
Despite causing frustration for fans, Minteh still was popping up with goal contributions, perhaps most notably with his goal in the UEFA Champions League against Celtic.
One thing worth noting throughout all of this was that our Gambian wonderkid never let his confidence drop; his mental fortitude being one of his strongest aspects. He knew he needed to improve, and never let the noise affect around him affect him.
His confidence is perfectly exemplified by his first Feyenoord goal, where he rounds the keeper confidently, waits for the defender to run across and attempt to block, faking to shoot then slotting it into…
Source link : https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2024/03/26/yankuba-minteh-is-newcastles-gambian-wonderkid-ready-for-the-premier-league/
Author : TomTalksToon
Publish date : 2024-03-26 07:07:18
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