Yankuba Minteh’s terrific start to life at Feyenoord will only boost the chance of the Premier League loanee earning a place in Newcastle United’s plans sooner rather than later.
That is according to Willem van Hanegem, the Feyenoord legend suitably enthused by the winger’s explosive form for the Eredivisie champions.
Yankuba Minteh, Newcastle United’s £6 million summer signing, has three goals and one assist to his name already, despite only starting three league games on loan for the Dutch champions.
As far as Van Hanegem is concerned, however, Minteh’s devastating displays may be a double-edged sword. Should he maintains his current hot streak, the 19-year-old Gambian will do his hopes of a place in Eddie Howe’s plans no harm at all in 2024.
Newcastle United’s Yankuba Minteh shines at Feyenoord
“I’ve been enjoying him for a few matches now. He is extremely dangerous with his speed,” Van Hanegem tells NOS.
“If I were Feyenoord, I would now cast my doubts on whether he can be signed from Newcastle United for another year,” Van Hanegem adds.
Likened to Lionel Messi during his time in Denmark with Odense Boldklub, Minteh’s rapid pace and impressive composure in the final third have proved to be an immediate and somewhat unexpected boost to a Feyenoord side who have picked up where they left off last term, Arne Slot’s reigning champions cruising at the top of the table.
‘He is lightning fast’
“I think Minteh is a very interesting player, especially for Feyenoord,” adds Pierre Van Hooijdonk, the ex-Netherlands striker. “Feyenoord does not have that many players who can really beat someone one-v-one. He can do that, apart from the fact that he is also lightning fast.”
“That also creates a lot of danger in away matches at European level. I think there has been a real addition of quality there.”
Minteh could make his second Champions League start when Feyenoord face off against Atletico Madrid in the Spanish capital this evening.
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