Us NUFC fans haven’t been used to seeing youngsters make the big step up from the U-23’s to first-team level in recent years, but there’s one man in our youth ranks who I’m tipping to buck that trend – and that’s Victor Fernandez.
The Barcelona-born winger was signed from Spanish second division side UE Cornella in January last year and he immediately began to catch the eye at U-23 level.
I don’t get to as many second string games as I’d like to, but whenever I’ve got the chance to watch him his pace, trickery and close control often stood out – and it seems like he’s been catching the eye of Rafa Benitez too.
He’s yet to play in a competitive game at senior level, but he’s been handed several opportunities to train with the first-team and looks set to be included in our annual training camp in Ireland.
Not only did the 20-year-old impress during his 45-minute cameo in our mid-season friendly with Royal Antwerp in March – looking anything but out of place at senior level (albeit against poor Belgian opposition), but he was named player of the tournament during the U-23’s run to Hong Kong Soccer Sevens title last month.
He no doubt has a long way to go, but there’s something about this lad. He looks pretty fearless on the ball, elusive in possession and has a touch of class and turn of pace about him.
Definitely one to watch over pre-season this summer.
So want Sterling to get a goal
KIMTOON(Quote)
Sterling is a bit of a flapper.
Shamrock(Quote)
Totally battering them. Need to make it count.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Making easy work.of it, despite wastefulness in front of goal.
Shamrock(Quote)
Have Sweden had a shot?
Not trying to jinx it 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sterling has to do better, but at least he’s still trying , he’s not hiding .
KIMTOON(Quote)
Everyone will slag Sterling off for not scoring but he is causing these Swedes all sorts of problems.
Stuart79(Quote)
Just hope we don’t rue them missed chances that’s all.
Should be 2.0 up really.
KIMTOON(Quote)
KIMTOON(Quote)
one, long range as expected
KIMTOON(Quote)
Sterling has looked very dangerous. Alli a bit subdued. same with Lingard.
We are dominating the game though so not sure we need changes. I would bring on the new NUFC loanee RLC on about 60 minutes as they did all have extra time only 3 days ago. Then the other NUFC prospective loanee according to The Chronic, Rashford on 70 minutes.
If we are still only 1-0 up on 80 minutes – No Dier. Play the way we are. Don’t shut up shop.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
well done Jordan
KIMTOON(Quote)
Great again from Pickford. I told everybody he is England’s number 1.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Yeah agree mate , them too will relish this game
KIMTOON(Quote)
two
KIMTOON(Quote)
4 ex-Mackems on the pitch:
Pickford
Henderson
Larrson
Toivenen
Eric Sykes(Quote)
need another one, they are capable of sneaking a long range or set piece one in. We are the better side without doubt, need to show it more.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Getinnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn
Deli
KIMTOON(Quote)
No less than we deserve. Have been all over them.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Push on. No shutting up shop. They are on the ropes. Knock them out – literally.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
And get Kane the golden boot. To boot.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Pickford what a save, fucking brilliant stuff
KIMTOON(Quote)
Pickford back to Sunderland form. Was a bit iffy at Everton last year.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
We want another one
KIMTOON(Quote)
Can’t be complacent though. Commentator here just said Sweden knocked out Holland in their qualifying group then Italy in the playoff and finished top in their group which contained Germany.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Kane has yet to score, surely he’s gonna get one, or is it saving it for the semi ?
KIMTOON(Quote)
That was a hand ball!!!!
Eric Sykes(Quote)
brilliant Pickford again and fuming with his defenders
KIMTOON(Quote)
used his arm to deflect it away
KIMTOON(Quote)
Pickford performing out of his skin today and never thought he had that in him tbf
KIMTOON(Quote)
Need to close this down with counter attacks not sitting back. Delph coming on shows their intentions.
Stuart79(Quote)
As I said. Comfortable victory. We are in the semi finals of the World Cup!
Shamrock(Quote)
Wanting Russia to win as I think Croatia are the better team. Plus, I only know 1 famous Croatian who is not a footballer, but know plenty of Russians.
Mashal Tito is the only Croat I have heard of.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
The Swedws have some lovely looking women though haha ?
Shamrock(Quote)
Sham: there’s some cute Russian women as well and I am sure the cameramen will pick them out.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
It is funny how football cameramen only seem to find good looking women and fat men with their shirts off in the crowd.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
And there’s that Bobby clip again to finish me off 🙁
KIMTOON(Quote)
You do realise the country will lose it’s collective **** if we reach the final 😆
KIMTOON(Quote)
Where’s Ice ? not like him to be missing
KIMTOON(Quote)
I bet Fat Mike is regretting those England t-shirts now!!!
As a nation we should all register for one and skint the ******!! ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Nice job England
Enjoying the footage of Southgate receivinf well deserved serenade by the fans.
Underwhelmed with his appointment but pleased he’s making me eat my England apathy
GlosMag(Quote)
Well over the moon with that win. I expected more from Sweden to b honest. It was more comfortable than I expected.
Hoping for Russia win as I think it will be slightly easier against them. Let’s see. We are in the World Cup semi finals for the first time since italia 90 and Sir Bobby. Yessssss.
Dubai Toon(Quote)
I am happy for Mackem Pickford, he has done really well – apart from his distribution which was supposedly his strong point. I will also admit when I am wrong, unlike some others on here – TROY – who just disappear without a trace.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
DT: I forgot they are the home team because I never thought Russia would get this far. The semi-final would be in Moscow so the Russians will be going mad (in a good way). Vlad will probably turn up as well so watch out Harry there might be some poison tipped umbrellas at the concierge desk with your name on them.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I used to think that you and Troy were one and the same … he had several aliases. ??
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Me and Troy argued all of the time. He loved Pardew and suggested Lee Clark as NUFC manager.
How did that stay out. I do not believe in God, I believe in a higher power – Vladimir Putin
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Russia are really ****. How are they still in this?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
They are playing for pens on 66 minutes !!!!!!!!!!!!!
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Whoever the winner here if it goes to ET England are the real winners. Both teams will have been to ET in two consecutive games. That must be hard…
Stuart79(Quote)
how does that go in 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Oh For ***** Sake Vlad.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
**** looks like pens
Kimtoon(Quote)
Is Russia the easier game with home support and belief on their side?
Shamrock(Quote)
Think I would prefer Croatia.
Shamrock(Quote)
Both teams have puffed themselves out though. Thats got to help the cause.
Shamrock(Quote)
Just worry that if it’s Russia and we should beat them that their ultras could kick off .
Kimtoon(Quote)
poor pens so far
Kimtoon(Quote)
Croatia it is then.
Bring it on
Kimtoon(Quote)
A lot of emotional energy spent there like.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Still no Ice, odd he’s not on when England have played.
Kimtoon(Quote)
It’s coming home, it’s coming home, it’s…
Stuart79(Quote)
Kim I am sure Ice is fine.. If there were real problems I reckon Pup would be on because he knows this is a community that matters to Ice in some way ?
I can see a final of Belgium v England. Tall order taking Belgium down though.
Shamrock(Quote)
Yeah, IF we can get passed Croatia I have to say I would prefer France in the final, Belgium are excellent.
Kimtoon(Quote)
Chris Waddle overcome with emotion after yesterdays game on radio 5live .
Kimtoon(Quote)
https://twitter.com/5liveSport/status/1015628578396913665
Kimtoon(Quote)
Good lad Waddler, nowt wrong with that lad – especially if the Bobby clip caught him off guard too.
Walker & Stones dancing like Waddle & Butcher in Italia 90 yesterday ????
Sharpy17(Quote)
Olly – new article please mate ?
Some good words from Lascelles this week – any chance of one round that mate?
Sharpy17(Quote)
bloody net was down most of the day y/day,not the comany to blame,dam dog got behind sofa and pulled out the wire grrrrrrtook me all day to suss it after being on the phone and playing merry hell
anyway great result for England,fancy scum keeper saving our bacon
icedog(Quote)
Yes mate, I’d been meaning to actually. Loved what he had to say.
Unfortunately I’ve not been well at all the past week. Was admitted to hospital on Wednesday and have only just go out. I’ve been diagnosed with Crohns disease so been a bit of a struggle working.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Olly – sorry to hear that mate, a lass my missus works with has that and it sounds very painful and debilitating at times – lots of heavy duty meds for pain relief and little else for what she’s said. Hope you’re ok mate.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Gosh Olly, poor you, my friend has that, horrid condition. Get well soon mate.
Kimtoon(Quote)
Olly, don’t know if they have already told you but staying off tea, coffee, chocolate and fried stuff will really ease your symptoms mate. My mates diet is super good, far better than mine I’m ashamed to say.
Kimtoon(Quote)
Ice, what a day for the net to drop out !!!! said it was odd you not being on.
Did you get to see the game then or what ?
Kimtoon(Quote)
Cheers guys. It’s a rough one but I at least know what’s wrong with me now – I’ve had symptoms for 6 months but they’ve only got to the bottom of it this week.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)