Former RB Leipzig talent takes his chance after Howe’s surprise move in Portugal pays off

After making his first-team debut in a pre-season trip to Doncaster 12 months ago, Toon talent Matty Bondswell was thrown into very different surroundings at Benfica last night.

With Eddie Howe making 11 changes at the break, the 20-year-old played the final 45 minutes at left-back and didn’t look out of place whatsoever.

He showed a good turn of pace, won his duels, seemed assured on the ball and made several good overlapping runs in a second half cameo that will give Eddie Howe some food for thought.

Bondswell was one of only four Academy talents included in our trip to Portugal – Alex Murphy, Santiago Munoz and Jay Turner-Cooke also came along – but he was the only player to feature in last night’s friendly and was also given minutes in Saturday’s training game against Burnley.

This may, in part, be down to injury niggles Jamal Lewis and Paul Dummett are currently nursing, however he’s taken his chance up to now and could be one to watch over the coming season – wherever he ends up.

Believe it or not, the England U18 international was overlooked by Steve Cotterill during a frustrating loan spell at Shrewsbury Town last season – a mistake Dan Ashworth and Shola Ameobi will be looking to put right this summer should head out on a temporary basis once again.

The former Nottingham Forest man snubbed Manchester United and Chelsea in favour of a move to RB Leipzig back in 2018, but found himself on Tyneside last year after being released by the Bundesliga side.

Here’s a reminder of what he had to say after arriving at St James’ Park almost 18 months ago:

“I think Newcastle was the club which made the most sense in terms of where I am at the moment. They offer the best opportunity for me to be where I want to be in the future.

“If you ask every footballer, the majority will say their goal is to play in the Premier League.

“That is part of the reason why I came to Newcastle as well because of the projects they have had with the young players in the under-23s, and hopefully going on to playing first-team football.”

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.

One thought on “Former RB Leipzig talent takes his chance after Howe’s surprise move in Portugal pays off

  1. Matty Bondswell did look very assured and kept the line when required.
    Joelinton should keep his trap shut, mouth’s off a bit too much at referees that was a totally unnecessary booking that led to the red and we can’t afford that.

      (Quote)

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