“Envious of his speed” – Newcastle man earning more praise after impact performance, can ‘make a difference’

Late last week, there was some happiness in and around Rotterdam, as Newcastle United loanee Yankuba Minteh was close to a return from injury.

There was hope he could feature against Excelsior on Saturday, and that’s exactly what happened, as he came off the bench and bagged himself an assist in the 4-2 win.

They will next face league leaders PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie, which will be a big test for them, and journalist Kenneth Pérez believes the Newcastle man can be one of those who can ‘make a difference’.

He said, relayed by Voetbal Primeur: “I’m a bit envious of his speed. In two years time, we will see what level he can handle. I think he will learn a lot at Feyenoord. Whether he can reach the absolute top, that remains the question.”

The 19-year-old, while not a regular starter under Arne Slot, has impacted whenever he has played away from Newcastle.

He has played 13 times for the Dutch side, scored three goals and assisted another three, and was recently described as the club’s most dangerous attacker.

This form is what led Eddie Howe to suggest they could try and bring him back in January, even if some in the Netherlands made it clear it wouldn’t be that straightforward.