Newcastle United could make a statement about their ambitions this season if they overcome Bournemouth at St. James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.
A victory would give Matthias Jaissle’s side seven points from their opening three Premier League matches, representing an excellent start considering the amount of change and uncertainty surrounding the club during the summer transfer window.
Many expected Newcastle to struggle after a turbulent period of transfer activity, but technical director Ross Wilson deserves considerable credit for the way the club responded to the challenges. Despite several setbacks, Newcastle have managed to strengthen the squad intelligently and build a team that already looks increasingly balanced and competitive.
If they defeat Bournemouth, the Magpies will have momentum heading into upcoming fixtures against Leeds United and Hull City before the extended international break. More importantly, the team appears to be developing an identity under Jaissle.
However, Newcastle could become even more dangerous once £51 million signing Matias Fernandez-Pardo is fully integrated into the starting XI.
When will Fernandez-Pardo make his first start?
Fernandez-Pardo has completed his move from LOSC Lille and is expected to play a major role at St. James’ Park. Jaissle has already hinted that he is keen to get the 21-year-old Belgium international involved as quickly as possible.
However, throwing him straight into the starting XI against Bournemouth may not necessarily be the smartest decision.
Fernandez-Pardo is still adjusting to his new surroundings and needs time to reach full match fitness. Harvey Barnes, meanwhile, has worked extremely hard during Newcastle’s opening games and has done little to suggest he deserves to lose his place on the left wing.
Jaissle also appears to have plans to use Fernandez-Pardo through the middle. His pace, movement and ability to attack space could cause serious problems for slower Premier League defenders, while his finishing ability could eventually make him a major goalscoring threat.
The problem is that Yoane Wissa has already made an impressive start to life at Newcastle. If the DR Congo international continues performing at such a high level, replacing him as the central striker may be difficult.
That could leave Fernandez-Pardo competing for a position on the left.
But there is another Newcastle winger who could potentially change the entire equation.
Could Newcastle unleash their new Saint-Maximin?
Newcastle fans have already seen glimpses of what their new-look attack could become, and Bazoumana Toure may be the player capable of adding another dimension.
The 20-year-old arrived from Hoffenheim for around £43m this summer and is regarded as one of the most exciting young wingers in European football.
Toure possesses explosive acceleration, exceptional dribbling ability and the confidence to take defenders on. His style has naturally led to comparisons with former Newcastle cult hero Allan Saint-Maximin, whose unpredictable movement and electric pace made him a nightmare for Premier League defenders.
The comparison is particularly interesting when looking at Toure’s Bundesliga performances last season. The Ivorian demonstrated that he is not simply a promising youngster but someone capable of making a genuine difference at senior level.
So far, however, Jaissle has opted to use him from the bench in Newcastle’s Premier League fixtures. Toure has already opened his account in the Carabao Cup against West Bromwich Albion, but he will undoubtedly be eager to make his first Premier League start.
And perhaps Bournemouth could be the perfect opportunity.
Bournemouth are an organised and disciplined side, meaning Newcastle may need individual brilliance to break through their defensive structure. Toure has exactly the type of explosive qualities that can turn a tight match in an instant.
Reporter Bence Bocsak has even described him as playing like a “young Sadio Mane”, highlighting the level of potential surrounding the youngster.
Fernandez-Pardo is undoubtedly one of the most exciting additions to Newcastle’s squad and his time to shine will come. But Jaissle does not necessarily need to rush him into the starting XI.
Instead, the Newcastle boss could reward Toure for his patience and give him his first Premier League start.
If Toure can produce the kind of performance Newcastle believe he is capable of, the Magpies could have another attacking superstar emerging at St. James’ Park.
And with Fernandez-Pardo waiting in the wings, Newcastle’s attacking options could soon become one of the most exciting in the Premier League.
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