Five Young Magpies Who Could Flourish in The Championship
The news that Rafa Benitez had signed a new contract and agreed to stay on as manager has given Newcastle something I cannot recall any other relegated club having going into a pre-season…momentum. Genuine and positive momentum has seen Newcastle’s relegation transformed from bitter vitriol to new beginnings. Last week I named five senior players who should leave; it could have been eight, nine or ten in all honesty after a shocking season. But Newcastle do have a number of younger players (and by that I mean under 23) who have potential. And a season in The Championship could be a catalyst for several young magpies to make their mark on the first team; a chance they probably would not have had in the top tier. They also have the guidance of a top class manager who will bed them in properly to give them the best possible chance to grow.
Here’s who could make an impression next season
The young Swiss defender seemed to be heading out of Newcastle at the end of the season as his contract appeared to be coming to an end. The Chronicle reported though that Newcastle had activated an extension clause to keep him at United for a further two years. They also suggested Mbabu may be sent out on loan but as Daryl Janmaat looks likely to leave this window and Anita possibly taking Tiote’s place in midfield, Mbabu could see significant game time at Newcastle.
Mbabu is strong, quick and committed, able to play at either full back and put in a memorable performance during Newcastle’s 2-2 draw with Chelsea this season. Signed as a player with great potential back in 2013 Mbabu struggled for fitness following his encouraging breakthrough but a season in The Championship could provide him with an ideal education. Just as Newcastle’s season in the second tier back in 2009-10 developed Jose Enrique, Mbabu could come on leaps and bounds if given a role at full back next term.
There are many variables at work here though. Janmaat is expected to leave but he may not. The same can said for Tiote. Vernon Anita could be installed as first team right back after performing so well for Rafa but he could also leave following his recent inclusions in the Dutch national side. If Mbabu is given an opportunity by Benitez though, he could be one to watch.
Click here to view the next Magpies player that could flourish in the Championship next season.
Following an impressive season on loan at Coventry, Armstrong could continue his promising development with a season as part of Newcastle’s attack which looks to fire United back into the Premier league. Armstrong is quick, has good movement and an eye for goal. He probably wouldn’t be suited to being Newcastle’s lone striker but could be very effective in the number 10 role or up alongside Mitrovic. More than likely though we will probably see him used as substitute initially but with Newcastle scheduled to play twice a week more often in the Championship, Armstrong could chip in with some valuable goals.
The season on loan at Coventry will have done much for Armstrong’s development, gaining valuable game time, goals and confidence. Many of Newcastle’s youngsters who have gone out on loan in the past rarely come back any better off for the experience, or not enough for them to impact on the first team. Armstrong however might be different, particularly with Newcastle’s drop down a division. One aspect of his game that did impress this season, whilst at Cov, was Armstrong’s composure. For a young man he is cool in front of goal and hopefully Rafa can bring him on nicely.
Click here to view the next Magpies player that could flourish in the Championship next season.
Aarons showed us all, including Benitez, what he is capable of against Spurs on the final day of the season. Injury really hampered his season but when fit Aaron’s is a dangerous player. He was simply outstanding when he came on against Spurs and showed his qualities to convince Benitez that he surely must remain on Tyneside next season.
He took his goal brilliantly, thundering a left foot strike into the top corner. More impressive than that though was the tenacity shown to win the opportunity to fire at goal. He wanted it more than the Spurs’ defenders. He was also crucially instrumental in Janmaat’s goal. Reading a pass to cleverly intercept before driving at the defence before cleverly picking the correct pass, delaying it so Janmaat was clear but still onside. It was also perfectly weighted. It was a brilliant assist demonstrating Aaron’s not only has the quality, but the composure and desire to play well for Newcastle.
His goal celebration was also telling. Did that look like a player who wants to leave United? Celebrating with the Newcastle fans after screaming with emotion. He is a player we must retain. With Thauvin expected to move back to France following a disastrous transfer, Marveaux and Obertan already gone and the futures of Townsend and Gini unclear, Newcastle will be short of options in the wide positions. Aarons could and probably should play a big, big role for Newcastle next season and beyond.
Click here to view the next Magpies player that could flourish in the Championship next season.
The 20 year old striker returns to Newcastle after winning twice at Wembley with Barnsley whilst on loan this season. That means he comes back with a taste for success and a winning mentality. He may have only scored twice in 21 appearances but Toney contributed to a Barnsley side that won promotion to the Championship and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.
Toney is strong in the air, holds up the ball well and showed enough potential whilst at Northampton to earn a transfer to Newcastle. Assuming the likes of Riviere, Doumbia and Gouffran leave Newcastle this summer, which they most likely will, Newcastle will be left with an attack consisting of Mitrovic, Perez, Armstrong, Toney and possibly Cisse (or if he goes, a new signing). That looks pretty good for a season in the second tier, particularly if you consider Newcastle’s midfield should be the strongest in the division.
Toney may not be the finished article just yet but in the few appearances he did make for Newcastle this season, he did show he had something. A season in the Championship could aid his development considerably after already gaining good experience with Barnsley. Unlikely to start many games to begin with, particularly if Benitez does sign a new striker, Toney could be a useful squad player and will only ever get better. Big and strong enough to play the lone striker role he offers a good option against some of the sides we will be facing next season.
Click here to view the next Magpies player that could flourish in the Championship next season.
Still only 21 years of age, Mbemba wasn’t registered as part of Newcastle’s senior squad this season as they had 25 players above the age of 21 registered with the Premier league. Despite that however, the man from DR Congo quickly established himself as a first team regular and commanding centre half.
Strong, quick and good in the air, Mbemba looked like a player far beyond his years at times this season. On a few occasions he did look a little vulnerable but considering this was his first season in the Premier league, and at such a young age, Mbemba did extremely well, putting in some excellent performances. He has the composure and confidence to bring the ball out of defence and can pass well too. He is undoubtedly one of our best young players at the club. He quickly became a favourite of the fans too and already enjoys a good relationship with them.
In the final weeks of the season Mbemba formed what could be an excellent centre half partnership with Jamaal Lascelles at the heart of the Newcastle defence. It’s a partnership which would be much envied in the Championship and could grow into a solid backbone for Benitez to build from.
With Mbemba already one of the best defenders at the club, the future looks really bright for this young player. Again, under the guidance of Benitez, Chancel could well develop into a top class centre half. A season in the second tier won’t do anything to hinder his development as he will face new challenges there, particularly away from home at some difficult fixtures where United must dig deep to get results.
A potential star, Newcastle must hold on Mbemba and continue his development and his blossoming partnership with Lascelles.
