Feyenoord manager Arne Slot has defended Newcastle United youngster Yankuba Minteh from criticism, insisting he’s at the Dutch club to develop.
The Feyenoord boss has appeared on Andy van der Meyde’s YouTube show Bij Andy in de auto to discuss various topics, when the former winger decided to criticise Minteh.
The youngster has been on loan with Feyenoord from Newcastle since the summer, immediately being sent out by the Magpies to develop his game and establish himself in Europe following an €8m move from Odense BK in Denmark.
He’s been a regular for the Dutch champions this season, racking up 18 appearances in all competitions so far largely playing as a substitute.
He has impressed at various points but also proved to be something of a frustration for those watching, with some fans perhaps thinking they were getting more from a player who was coming from a Premier League side.
Van de Meyde is one such watcher, criticising the Newcastle youngster and his 50/50 performances.
“I think you have to do something about those outside edges,” he said.
“I swear! That Minteh, maybe he is a fantastic boy, he is very fast, but I find him restless on the ball. If he can give a cross, he loses the overview.”
Slot wasn’t 100% on bought with that idea, though, defending the winger and insisting if he was perfect, he would still be at St James Park.
“That’s right, but I think that is also the reason why Newcastle United loaned him to us,” he responded.
“They, just like us, see a lot of talent in him. But he’s not ‘finished’ yet. That is the place we currently occupy in the football pyramid.
“If he had such an overview of the ball to give every cross, he would have stayed at Newcastle.”
