Newcastle United have one of Europe's most exciting wing prospects in their ranks in Yankuba Minteh and face a big decision: does he stay with the first-team next season?
This piece will look at his progression at Feyenoord, his strengths and weaknesses, and if he's ready for the Newcastle first-team next season.
EARLY DAYS AT FEYENOORD:
After purchasing Minteh from Odense for eight million Euros, Newcastle United immediately sent "the Gambian Messi" on loan to Feyenoord, in what was seen as a great move; giving our wonderkid the opportunity to work under a great coach in Arne Slot.
In his first pre-season appearance he shone; scoring a penalty and creating 3 massive chances, all of which his teammates failed to convert. After watching this match, I knew we had found a gem.
When the official season started, Minteh showed glimpses of brilliance, but despite this he was a frustration to Feyenoord fans and even his manager. His out-of-possession positioning and decision making were some of his biggest issues; gaining him public criticism from his manager Arne Slot for being greedy and playing for himself against PEC Zwolle.
Feyenoord fan and football writer Melvin Dupper (@DupperMelvin on X) told me that from the start of the season Minteh's "1v1 and dribbling was top-class" but he needed a lot of coaching on his positioning and pressing.
Despite causing frustration for fans, Minteh still was popping up with goal contributions, perhaps most notably with his goal in the UEFA Champions League against Celtic.
One thing worth noting throughout all of this was that our Gambian wonderkid never let his confidence drop; his mental fortitude being one of his strongest aspects. He knew he needed to improve, and never let the noise affect around him affect him.
His confidence is perfectly exemplified by his first Feyenoord goal, where he rounds the keeper confidently, waits for the defender to run across and attempt to block, faking to shoot then slotting it into an open net.
HIS IMPROVEMENTS:
As the season has progressed, he has massively improved his out-of-possession work and decision making; gaining the trust of his manager and recently becoming a regular starter for his team. A good example of this is his recent assist vs Heerenveen:
Now as we speak, Minteh has solidified himself as a starter in Feyenoord's XI, and it is important he maintains these current output levels he is hitting. He currently has 7 goals and 4 asissts in 14.7 90s for Feyenoord, with 5 of these contributions coming in his last 5.
An attribute worth touching on is his ridiculous physical levels. Minteh can run for ages; having an incredible initial burst of pace which he uses often to beat defenders. He loves helping his team defensively with tackles, and would have 0 problem adapting to Eddie Howe's pressing system.
Minteh is hard working, improving quickly, and contributing to goals, so what's the catch?
Despite Feyenoord fans liking him more and more game by game, Minteh "still needs to develop his vision and football IQ" - Melvin Dupper (@DupperMelvin on X).
It's true that his offensive statistics stack up very well against lots of good wingers, for example Johan Bakayoko, who has already been subject to bids of up to £40m. However, these stats can be deceptive and fail to showcase a lot of his deficiencies.
It's also important to remember how open the Eredivisie is for attackers. After performing strongly in the Eredivisie and being subject to big money moves, both Antony and Gakpo are currently struggling in the Premier League. Would Minteh's numbers transfer across?
NEWCASTLE'S DECISION:
With Newcastle's financial restrictions in the market, the club have a big decision to make. If Minteh can slot into the RW position, it could save the club tens of millions, however is he really ready? Currently, I don't feel he's at the level to start for us if we are intending on pushing for Europe, and I'd send him on loan once again, potentially to Feyenoord for a second time; they're reportedly interested in extending his loan a further season.
However, if his high output form continues, I'd give him a run in our squad during pre-season to work out his level, then make a decision. I can see him being impactful in the Premier League, but would he benefit more from the development he'd get from playing and starting every single game elsewhere instead of being on our bench for a good portion of the season?
SUMMARY:
Regardless of the decision the club takes, I do fully believe that we have an absolute gem on our hands and Minteh is going to be a fantastic winger for Newcastle; one who will become a fan-favourite with his incredible work-rate and passionate playstyle.
