The future NUFC star who could be set to break into Benitez’s plans this season – One to watch

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.

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

1,205 thoughts on “The future NUFC star who could be set to break into Benitez’s plans this season – One to watch

  1. Everyone will slag Sterling off for not scoring but he is causing these Swedes all sorts of problems.

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  2. Just hope we don’t rue them missed chances that’s all.
    Should be 2.0 up really.

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  3. Stuart79:
    Everyone will slag Sterling off for not scoring but he is causing these Swedes all sorts of problems.

    Agree, so want him to get a goal

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  4. 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.

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  5. Eric Sykes:
    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.

    Yeah agree mate , them too will relish this game

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  6. 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.

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  7. Push on. No shutting up shop. They are on the ropes. Knock them out – literally.

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  8. 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.

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  9. Kane has yet to score, surely he’s gonna get one, or is it saving it for the semi ?

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  10. Need to close this down with counter attacks not sitting back. Delph coming on shows their intentions.

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  11. 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.

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  12. Shamrock:
    The Swedws have some lovely looking women though haha

    Sham: there’s some cute Russian women as well and I am sure the cameramen will pick them out.

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  13. It is funny how football cameramen only seem to find good looking women and fat men with their shirts off in the crowd.

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  14. You do realise the country will lose it’s collective **** if we reach the final 😆

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  15. I bet Fat Mike is regretting those England t-shirts now!!!

    As a nation we should all register for one and skint the ******!! ?

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  16. 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

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  17. 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.

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  18. 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.

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  19. Dubai Toon:
    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.

    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.

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  20. Eric Sykes:
    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.

    I used to think that you and Troy were one and the same … he had several aliases. ??

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  21. Dubai Toon: I used to think that you and Troy were one and the same … he had several aliases.

    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

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  22. 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…

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  23. Just worry that if it’s Russia and we should beat them that their ultras could kick off .

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  24. 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.

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  25. Yeah, IF we can get passed Croatia I have to say I would prefer France in the final, Belgium are excellent.

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  26. Olly – new article please mate ?

    Some good words from Lascelles this week – any chance of one round that mate?

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  27. 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

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  28. Sharpy17:
    Olly – new article please mate ?

    Some good words from Lascelles this week – any chance of one round that mate?

    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.

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  29. Olly Hawkins: 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 – 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.

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  30. Olly Hawkins: 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.

    Gosh Olly, poor you, my friend has that, horrid condition. Get well soon mate.

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  31. 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.

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  32. 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 ?

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  33. 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.

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