The Magpies’ dearth of academy graduates could be coming to an end with Yassin Ben El-Mhanni.
With jumpers masquerading as goalposts across almost every inch of grassland, few cities can match Newcastle for vociferous, undiluted passion for the ‘beautiful game’. A case in point; more Magpies’ fans bought season tickets this season than last despite the drop in division, according to The Chronicle.
Yet, for supporters who look at the Newcastle United emblem and see a source of pride, a badge of honour and identity, the fact is that there has been a sad shortage of talents ascending from the youth and reserve sides to the St James’ turf in recent seasons. Paul Dummett, making his Magpies debut in 2013, is the most recent, while promising youngsters a la Adam Armstrong and Alex Gilliead (below) have been shunted out on loan.
However, in 21-year-old Yassin Ben El-Mhanni, an old-school street footballer who even taught Neymar a thing or two while shooting an advert in Barcelona, could be exactly the man to fill the void.
Natural speed and athleticism coupled with a skill-set so dazzlingly extensive that he has become a YouTube sensation, El-Mhanni has all the ability to thrill the same supporters that marvelled open-mouthed at Hatem Ben Arfa or David Ginola.
According to the Daily Mail, the so-called ‘non-league Riyad Mahrez’, a moniker he earned while flicking and tricking his way to nationwide attention with Lewes, put pen to paper at Newcastle in the summer, signing a two-year deal amid interest from, amongst others, Chelsea.
His game time may have limited to the reserves this season and, at 21, he is something of a late bloomer but, in this post-Jamie Vardy world, it’s more apparent than ever that the typical route to the top is not the only one.
Newcastle fans may have to wait until they see the best of him, or anything at all, but he is certainly a name worth keeping an eye on.
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