Just after Newcastle’s 0-0 draw at the San Siro, loan star Yankuba Minteh was handed a start in Feyenoord’s Group E opener against Celtic (watch highlights of him in action below).
At 19, he became the youngest Gambian to ever feature in the UEFA Champions League, playing 68 minutes of Feyenoord’s convincing 2-0 win over the Scottish champions.
Eyebrows were raised when he arrived at Feyenoord soon after sealing a £7m move from the Danish league, but we’re starting to see why the Dutch giants wanted him.
Not only has he managed two goals and one assist in 158 minutes of Eredivisie action this season, he marked his international debut with a goal to help Gambia qualify for the African Cup of Nations earlier this month. There’s no stopping him.
Watch highlights of the game below, which features his effort from range 30 seconds into the clip:
Minteh has bags of pace and an eye for goal, but he remains raw – as you’d expect – and someone we must be patient with.
Some have asked why he’s been loaned out, feeling he could be doing a job for Eddie Howe based on his recent form at Feyenoord. However, he still has a lot to learn based on some the comments I’ve read from Dutch fans and is in a great place to learn, play regularly and continue his development.
For now, though, what a magical night for the teenager, who made his Champions League bow just a few weeks after scoring his first Eredivisie goal and sending his country to AFCON!
Have we made a mistake here allowing him to go on loan, if he is ready to start Champions League then is ready to start EPL ?
We only have two recognised strikers in our squad, most EPL teams have 4.
David Dryburgh(Quote)