Newcastle United fans should be looking forward to the 2018 World Cup in Russia this summer.
With the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia just around the world, here are five things that Newcastle United fans should keep an eye on.
Aleksandar Mitrovic’s performances
Aleksandar Mitrovic has struggled to impress manager Rafael Benitez during his time at Newcastle United, but the 23-year-old striker was superb for Fulham during his loan spell in the second half of the 2017-18 season.
The former Anderlecht striker will be leading the line for Serbia at the 2018 World Cup finals in Russia this summer, and Newcastle fans will hope that he does well in order for the Magpies to make a decent profit on his sale, as it is hard to see him play for the St. James’ Park outfit next season.
Matz Sels
Matz Sels has been named in Belgium’s initial World Cup squad list, and it remains to be seen if the 26-year-old goalkeeper makes the final cut. Sels spent the 2017-18 campaign on loan at Anderlecht, and it will be interesting to see if Newcastle decide to keep him at St. James’ Park next season. Newcastle fans should keep an eye on Sels at the World Cup should he make the final cut for Belgium.
Spain football team
Newcastle have quite a few Spanish players on their books, including Mikel Merino, and manager Benitez could well decide to sign more of his compatriots in the summer transfer window. Newcastle fans should keep an eye on the Spain national football team at the World Cup, as some could be brought in after the competition.
Former Liverpool striker Iago Aspas, now at Celta de Vigo, and Real Sociedad youngster Alvaro Odriozola, who can operate as a right-back or as a winger, are two players that Newcastle could realistically sign.
England football team
Newcastle fans must have been bitterly disappointed to see their star midfielder Jonjo Shelvey not get included in the England squad for the World Cup, but they should still follow the Three Lions, if only to support the team. Moreover, they could also point out at the opportune moment that Shelvey should have picked up above Ruben Loftus-Cheek or Fabian Delph.
Aleksandr Golovin
Aleksandr Golovin is part of the Russia team for the World Cup, and Newcastle fans should keep an eye on the 21-year-old, especially after the CSKA Moscow midfielder’s agent was quoted as saying by ChronicleLive that the Magpies want him. The 21-year-old is a very talented and promising young midfielder, and he could be a key player for Russia this summer.
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