Kieran Trippier goes public on Yoane Wissa struggles - makes bold Newcastle United prediction
Kieran Trippier has backed Yoane Wissa to begin justifyig his £55million price tag at Newcastle United.
Kieran Trippier believes Newcastle United supporters need to remain patient with Yoane Wissa.
A disastrous debut campaign at St James’ Park has resulted in the striker - who turns 30 this year - scoring just one Premier League goal. Toon chiefs stumped up a hefty £55million to sign Wissa from Brentford.
Similarly to Alexander Isak, the DR Congo forward downed tools to force through a move to the Magpies. This left him chasing his tail fitness-wise before suffering a knee injury on international duty.
At the time, Wissa had not even trained for his new club - dealing a major blow to Newcastle’s season. The former Brentford man has looked miles off the pace, scoring three goals in 27 largely substitute appearances across all competitions.
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Kieran Trippier defends Yoane Wissa
Speaking to reporters, Toon veteran Trippier backed Wissa - who scored 19 top-flight goals last season - to rediscover his golden touch. He said: "Wiss came in with an injury. When you play for this manager, when you play for this team, the intensity is so high. Look at Anthony Gordon when he first came in.
"He got injured straight away because it's intense. With Wissa, it's the same. You don't go scoring 20 goals last season and then coming in here and getting a lot of criticism from the outside.
"He's been injured. I think he needs another pre-season. Once he does, you'll see a total difference next season. That's for sure. He'll bang in goals. He's another one who goes under the radar.
“He'll score goals. You just need to get up to scratch with how the manager wants him to play. It's demanding. You see it. Next season, he'll be a huge threat for the football team."
‘I am a soldier’ - Yoane Wissa
Wissa told Newcastle fans he is a “soldier” and will continue fighting for the black-and-white cause. He said: “I am a soldier. I can make so many mistakes and I will keep making so many mistakes because I am human but what I want them (Newcastle fans) to know is the love I’ve got for this shirt. I’m looking forward to next season.
“I think I understand now how big this club is and how important it is. I hope I am going to do better and I will try my best to do better for sure because for me, it is more important than anything else.
“To perform at Newcastle is something unbelievable for me because even when I was young, I never expected to be here. I am very proud and grateful to be here, so I just need to show. I know that so many players struggle after the first year, either here or so on. Now I am starting to connect with the players, which is really important for me. I am looking forward.
“We’ve got seven games left, I hope I am going to score some goals towards the end. But for me, the most important thing for me is to say I am a soldier and no matter what, I’ll keep going.”
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