This summer, Newcastle United adopted a new transfer strategy at the beginning of a new era, which is to only sign players under the age of 24.
Matthias Jassel and his side were dealt a cold reality check this week when their young players were unable to cope with the physicality of Leeds United at Elland Road. They were swept away by the White Army.
Newcastle’s average age in the Premier League | ||
|---|---|---|
season | average age | League ranking (youngest) |
26/27 | 24.4 | first place |
25/26 | 26.4 | No. 15 |
24/25 | 27.1 | 17th |
23/24 | 26.9 | No. 18 |
22/23 | 27.0 | No. 16 |
21/22 | 27.4 | No. 16 |
Leeds United are a strong, fierce and well-coached team, but they are not the best in the Premier League. Jessel will be deeply frustrated with his boys scoring four goals, the second best of the entire game.
What’s wrong with Newcastle at Elland Road
Newcastle are in a unique position. At the start of a new era, it was widely believed that Jessel needed time and that a full season of setbacks was inevitable.
But their limp, spineless performance against Leeds highlighted how desperately they need more strength and confidence on the pitch.
With the continuous signings, the Magpies can no longer be trapped in a relegation melee, and changes will definitely be made after this. Defensively, Malik Tio and Sven Boatman both struggled, getting messed up by the likes of Dominic Calvert-LeVine and getting exposed while trying to initiate offense with the ball.
Painfully, Newcastle were outgunned and outgunned. They lost 54% of ground duels, lacked rationality and consistency when holding the ball, and even failed to execute Jasler’s crossing plan. Only 1 of 18 crosses hit the target.
After the game, Jessel spoke of the “learning curve” such a dismal performance had put on him, but the new side will need to quickly embrace the trials and tribulations of the Premier League to avoid them slipping off again.
It’s important to remember that Newcastle will continue to go through this break-in period, but Jessel may have to manage a number of new players, with one in particular suggesting he may not be ready to start week in and week out.
Jessel must give up Newcastle’s new Towan
Managing young and talented players from abroad can often be a tricky business for Premier League teams. Newcastle are well aware of the problem, with the likes of Mikel Merino and Florian Thauvin both going on to enjoy excellent careers following their defeats at St James’ Park.
Thauvin, 33, became a modern-day legend at Marseille in France, where he returned to the club after joining for £13m in 2015; he scored once in 16 games on Tyneside before fleeing home in January 2016.
Now, with Matias Fernandez Pardo reaching the pinnacle of the Premier League, with the flamboyant striker joining from Lille at the end of the summer transfer window for £51m, there may be fears that lightning will strike twice.
21-year-old Fernandez Pardo is one of the most exciting young attackers in Europe and is regarded as a potential superstar of the future. Her arrival was welcomed with such fanfare but defeat at Leeds was a sobering reality check and, to be honest, she was just as isolated and intimidated as Jasler’s No.9.
It’s not hard to understand why the Belgium international backed himself. In the French Ligue 1 last season, he played 16 games as a center, scoring 7 goals and assisting 4 times. But Thauvin also enjoyed great success in France before crossing the English Channel, contributing five goals and seven assists in Ligue 1 in 2014/15.
He had pace and edge in key attacking positions but at Elland Road he was unable to deliver as much as he should have, with Eoin Wiesa’s strength making him the more reliable of the two on the night.
Four of his 18 touches came from the center circle as Newcastle picked the ball out of the net amid deafening white cheers. He completed eight passes all night. Fernandez Pardo failed to convert a shot and was unable to gain any attack in the dangerous area as Daniel Farke’s defenders held their ground.
It’s worth remembering that Thauwan has now embarked on a fine career after a poor spell at Newcastle. It may take some time for Fernandez Pardo to get into form, but Jessel and his strength must continue to guide him into form, showing patience and understanding for the young attacker and the teammates around him
Perhaps, although the Belgian may not like it, he will find form if he is placed deeper or wider than the No. 9 position, which he firmly believes is his best position.