“100% sure” – Matias Fernandez-Pardo defended by Matthias Jaissle

Matthias Jaissle has backed Matias Fernandez-Pardo to become a “top striker” at Newcastle United, insisting the summer signing needs time and patience as he adapts to life in the Premier League.

The Belgian has shown flashes of his quality since arriving from Lille, with his work rate and pressing already catching the eye despite a disrupted build-up to the season.

Jaissle backs Fernandez-Pardo after disrupted start

Fernandez-Pardo joined late in the summer window and has had little time to settle, having arrived without a proper pre-season before spending time away with Belgium over the recent international break.

Jaissle has been keen to stress that the 21-year-old offers far more than simply pressing defenders, hailing his impressive movement, technical ability and versatility across the frontline.

“He has everything to be a top striker. We should not just see him or describe him as a player who presses the opposition at maximum speed.

“In possession, he’s running a lot of times in behind, we can use him as a link-up player, he’s technically gifted, he can play on the wings and he’s difficult to catch. I’m 100% sure he will have a bright future with us.”

The Newcastle head coach also urged supporters to be patient, pointing to the lack of preparation time Fernandez-Pardo has had since his move from Lille.

“He’s a young lad, a really young lad. It’s part of the brave way, the brave journey we’re taking here. He came here really late with almost no pre-season, now he’s been three weeks with the national team but didn’t play much or train much.

“We need to give him time, we need to be patient with him. He’s getting that. We will support him and we will get many great performances from him.”

Running stats highlight Fernandez-Pardo’s potential

While Fernandez-Pardo is still adapting to his new surroundings, his off-the-ball work against Hull City offered an encouraging sign of what he can bring to Jaissle’s high-intensity approach.

The forward recorded 28 sprints in our 2-1 win over Hull, more than any other player in the Premier League that weekend.

That is a significant return for a player still getting up to speed with English football, particularly given the questions that often arise over how attacking players adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League.

Fernandez-Pardo has already shown real quality during his time at Lille, and Newcastle will be hoping that ability can translate into consistent performances on Tyneside. His movement, pressing and willingness to run beyond defenders are also promising signs.

Having arrived without a proper pre-season and then seen limited action with Belgium during the international break, there are understandable reasons why he may need time to find his rhythm and regain full match fitness.

The early sprint numbers suggest the work rate is already there. If he can build on that foundation and bring his technical quality into the final third, Jaissle has good reason to be confident about his future.