The former Bordeaux man has really come into his own under at Newcastle United this season under Rafa Benitez.
Newcastle United’s Yoan Gouffran
Signing for Newcastle United in 2013 during the tenure of Alan Pardew, Yoan Gouffran had a tricky start to life in a black and white shirt. Struggling for goals, scoring just seven in his first full season and two in his second, Gouffran quickly began to fall out of favour at St James Park, and under former boss Steve McClaren, his time at Newcastle United seemed to be over.
However, in the Championship under Rafa Benitez, Yoan Gouffran has burst into life. Playing on the left-side of midfield as an out-and-out winger, Gouffran has scored 7 goals in 33 appearances for the Magpies; his best season in a Newcastle United shirt, and has arguably been one of Benitez’s most improved players this season.
But why is it all suddenly working for Yoan Gouffran? What’s changed under Benitez, that wasn’t there previously under McClaren, Carver and Pardew? The answer is surprisingly simple…
Newcastle’s Yoan Gouffran scores
Under Benitez, Newcastle United have sorted out their problem at left-back. By giving Paul Dummett the reigns in defence, Benitez has now been able to form a solid and consistent base behind Gouffran, allowing him more time to go forward.
With Dummett also not prone to wandering forward and out of position, Gouffran has been allowed to focus on his attacking game a lot more this season, without having to worry too much about covering his full-back.
It’s an old cliche, but attacking really does need to start at the back, and that seems to be the case for Yoan Gouffran’s improved performances for Newcastle United this season.
Newcastle United’s Yoan Gouffran celebrates
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