Who makes our list of Newcastle United’s best young players to keep an eye on in the upcoming season?
Newcastle United stunned many a punter last season with their impressive 5th placed finish in the Premier League meaning they will participate in Europe next season. With the extra load of games on their hands which Magpie youngsters can expect to benefit and make an impact this season?
5. Haris Vuckic
Signed from NK Domzale in 2009 the tall and powerful attacking midfield player has made a name for himself as a highly promising young footballer. Just 19 years old Vuckic impressed on loan at Championship side Cardiff last season and made 4 appearances in the Premiership for the Toon. Already a full Slovenian international he is hoping to show Alan Pardew his ability next season.
4. Mehdi Abeid
Signed from Lens last season the French youth international turned Algerian youth international midfielder has been included in Newcastle’s first team squad for the upcoming season. A couple of cup appearances for The Magpies last season and scoring his first goal for Newcastle in a pre season game against Fenerbahce this summer show that Abeid will be pushing for the first team this season.
3. Shane Ferguson
Another young player who has had to deal with multiple injuries, Shane Ferguson can finally continue the form he showed when he first broke into the Newcastle in 2011. Looking to put last season’s injury hell behind him the 21 year old Northern Irishmen’s attacking approach from left back will see him provide excellent cover for Davide Santon in the starting line-up.
2. Dan Gosling
Newcastle made a steal when they took advantage of Everton’s farcical contract negotiations with the young England prodigy back in 2010 with the Devonshire lad one of England’s highest rated youngsters. Unfortunately injuries have hampered his progress but this season he looks set to have more of an impact at St James Park. His versatility across many positions make him an ideal player in any teamsheet and his ability for a timely goal is invaluable, at 22 its time he started to really fulfil his early promise.
1. Gael Bigirimana
The Burundi midfield teenage prodigies move to Newcastle was shock for some, even himself, this summer but there’s no doubting the 18 year old has a wealth of natural talent. A ball winner in the heart of midfield he was one of Coventry City’s standout performers in an otherwise dismal 2011-12 season and will learn immense amounts from Cheik Tiote and Yohann Cabaye this season.
What do you think of these youngsters and any others who might make an impact over the course of 2012-13?
images: © Ingy The Wingy, © mikebrown59
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