Newcastle United's pre-season friendly against Valencia ended in a 2-1 comeback win for the Magpies, marking Matthias Jaissle's first game in charge. But what did we learn from this match? Let's dive into the key talking points and Jaissle's debut as Newcastle's new manager.
Formation and Team Selection
One of the most intriguing aspects of Jaissle's debut was his decision to opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation, a departure from Eddie Howe's favored 4-3-3. This change allowed for an extra attacker, with Will Osula, Nick Woltemade, Harvey Barnes, and Anthony Elanga starting. Woltemade's move to the No 10 role was particularly notable, as he struggled in midfield under Howe last season. However, Jaissle's decision to persist with the 4-2-3-1 formation and his compatriot Woltemade is interesting. It suggests that Jaissle is looking to get the most out of the players he has at his disposal, and he could easily switch to a 4-3-3 if needed.
Elanga's Injury and Performance
Anthony Elanga, fresh from a strong World Cup showing for Sweden, looked electric in the first half-hour. However, his night took a turn for the worse when he was on the receiving end of a horror challenge from Valencia skipper Jose Gaya, resulting in a straight red card. Jaissle admitted he feared a serious injury for Elanga, but the post-match news was positive. It looks like a dead leg and some heavy bruising for Elanga, with Jaissle admitting they are 'blessed' by the outcome. If Elanga can start the season the way he began the match, Newcastle will start to see some of last summer's £55m outlay repaid. The early signs are positive, and Elanga's performance raises hopes for the upcoming season.
New Signings and Player Performances
Newcastle have added five players in this transfer window, with two of them goalkeepers. Three of the five (Lukas Hornicek, Aladji Bamba, and Bazou Toure) made their debuts, and I was impressed. Bamba looked physical and imposing, and his manipulation of the ball in tight areas was notable. He's only 20, so Jaissle will not want to put too much pressure on him, but he looks like he should have the tools to hit the ground running in the Premier League. The presence of both Bamba and Sean Steur in the second half played a big part in Newcastle's comeback win, and it will be interesting to see which of the two gets into the team first.
Wissa's New Start
Substitute Yoane Wissa notched both goals in this 2-1 comeback win. He looks like he has benefitted from the World Cup, where he scored three times for DR Congo. He was at it again last night and looked hungry and sharp. Many Newcastle fans are calling for a goalscorer to be bought this summer, but if Wissa can take this form into the season, maybe they don't need one. My understanding is that Newcastle are not targeting a striker this window, unless they sell one, and I think that's very unlikely. I'm still not sure about Woltemade as a No 9, and Osula was quiet. If I was Jaissle, I'd start the season with Wissa through the middle and try and capitalize on his growing confidence.
What More Does Jaissle Need?
Deep in the bowels of the stifling Mestalla, Jaissle last night said his squad is not complete. My understanding is that Newcastle will sign up to three more players before the window is out. They are light at full-back, so I think it's a definite they'll bring in at least one full-back. The ideal scenario would be to sign a player who can play on both sides, like Livramento, but that's not simple. They also want to add more experience in midfield to help some of the younger players settle, hence their move for Marseille midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg. At £15m, it's not the replacement the Newcastle fans had in mind for Bruno Guimaraes, but maybe someone like the Dane with his vast experience will help in the short term. If Hojbjerg doesn't happen, they will still add another midfielder, and I also think they may look to add a right winger. Elanga can't yet be relied upon, with Jacob Murphy the other option. It has long been a position Newcastle have been light on, so don't be surprised to see them add a right winger late in the window.
In conclusion, Newcastle's pre-season friendly against Valencia provided an intriguing insight into Jaissle's management style and the team's potential. With a few more signings, Newcastle looks set to be a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League this season.
