Abdulhafiz TeslimSomething interesting appears to be developing at Newcastle United, with one of the club’s biggest summer investments reportedly set to be used in a position that could surprise some supporters.
The youngster arrived at St James’ Park after Newcastle committed a significant fee to bring him to England, but there has been plenty of discussion about exactly where he will be most effective under Matthias Jaissle.
He has the ability to operate in several attacking positions, giving the Newcastle boss plenty of tactical options. However, the latest information suggests that there is already a preferred role — and it is one that the player himself has apparently been pushing for.
Rather than being restricted to the wing, the young attacker wants to become a No.9.
That desire is understood to have been communicated to the Newcastle hierarchy, while Jaissle is reportedly comfortable with the idea.
It is a fascinating development because the player has spent a large part of his career operating from the left side of the attack. His move into a central position became more noticeable last season, when he began getting greater opportunities through the middle.
That change appears to have caught the attention of Newcastle.
The club did not simply see him as another wide attacker when making the move. His ability to play centrally was also viewed as an important part of his profile, particularly with Jaissle looking to develop a more flexible attacking system.
For the player, the opportunity could be huge.
Establishing himself as a regular Premier League centre-forward would represent another major stage in his development, while Newcastle would potentially have a young attacker capable of leading the line for years to come.
There is also the financial side of the deal to consider.
Newcastle reportedly agreed a package that could eventually reach around £51 million, meaning expectations will naturally be high. Supporters will want to see the youngster develop into an important first-team player rather than simply becoming another squad option.
Jaissle’s willingness to consider his preferred position could therefore be an important first step.
The German coach has already shown a willingness to adapt his players to different tactical roles, and having an attacker who can move between the wing and centre-forward positions could give Newcastle considerably more variety.
The player’s previous campaign also demonstrated why Newcastle were prepared to make such a major investment. He registered eight goals in 41 appearances for Lille and continued his development at international level with Belgium.
Now, however, the biggest question is whether he can translate that potential into consistent Premier League performances.
And this is where the latest update becomes particularly interesting.
The player reportedly wants the central role, and Jaissle is believed to be willing to give him the chance to prove himself there.
Only towards the end of the report does the identity of Newcastle’s latest attacking project become clear.
The player in question is Matias Fernandez-Pardo.
With the youngster now beginning a new chapter at St James’ Park, Newcastle supporters could soon discover whether the decision to turn him into a genuine No.9 becomes one of Jaissle’s most important tactical calls of the season.
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Abdulhafiz Teslim
