The French midfielder has had a new lease of life this season under Rafael Benitez.
Before the start of the season, many fans expected Yoan Gouffran to be one of the players that would leave Newcastle United during the transfer window.
Instead, the French midfielder has had a second coming in the Championship, which has come as a shock to everyone involved with Newcastle.
Before the season began, Gouffran had his number 11 taken off him and given to new signing Matt Ritchie, which seemed to further indicate how low down in the pecking order the 30-year-old was.
When Newcastle lost their opening two games of the season, Benitez turned to Gouffran, much to the amazement of fans arriving at St James’ Park to see the Magpies take on Reading.
Newcastle won the game 4-1 and Gouffran was given a standing ovation when he was replaced in the 83rd minute.
That was the Magpies’ first win of the season, and every game they have won since has seen the Frenchman involved in the team, in both league and cup.
In fact, Newcastle’s three defeats this season have came in games that Gouffran has not featured at all, with the latest defeat coming against Wolves on Saturday when he was an unused sub.
Benitez simply cannot afford to drop Gouffran. Whether or not their run of results with Gouffran in the side has anything to do with the winger’s involvement, surely the cannot take the risk in dropping him, especially when Newcastle’s number 20 has already scored two incredible volleys this season, with his latest coming in the cup victory over Wolves.
Gouffran has played in all seven of Newcastle’s victories this season, and Benitez will be hoping that becomes eight against Aston Villa on Saturday.
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