The one Newcastle United decision Matthias Jaissle got absolutely right vs Aston Villa
Matias Fernandez-Pardo shifted onto the right flank as Newcastle United lost 1-0 to Aston Villa.
The currency of a centre-forward is simple: goals. And at Newcastle United, legendary No.9s are a thread that runs deep through the club’s history.
Hughie Gallacher. Jackie Milburn. Malcolm Macdonald. Andy Cole. Alan Shearer. Even in recent years, the likes of Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak - while he is now detested and did not wear the iconic jersey - have upheld that tradition.
Matias Fernandez-Pardo is the latest forward who hopes to place his name among the pantheon of greats. But after six games, the picture is becoming clearer - his talents would be better served elsewhere.
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Matthias Jaissle recognised the tried-and-trusted eye test against Aston Villa that suggests Fernandez-Pardo is a winger. Just days earlier, the debate intensified when the youngster fluffed the chance to pull the Magpies level at Coventry City.
That is not to write off his potential as a No.9. He is 21. This article could look foolish if stumbled upon once his playing days are over.
Nor is it to suggest Newcastle should be concerned about a youngster who is still adapting to the Premier League. But there is a reason Fernandez-Pardo was profiled as a potential replacement for Anthony Gordon earlier in the summer.
Like Gordon last season, the £51million recruit wants to play up front. Fernandez-Pardo made that clear as part of the negotiations. That ambition should be respected - but it cannot become an indefinite promise.
Newcastle must not be governed by the wishes of a prospect who is still adjusting to the English game. Amid the intense discussion, Jaissle made the right call to prioritise the team's needs over Fernandez-Pardo’s preferred position.
Having backed the Belgian as a centre-forward at his pre-match press conference, Jaissle answered the public call 48 hours later. He moved Fernandez-Pardo to the right flank to little avail as the Magpies lost 1-0 to Villa.
“First of all, you need to also know that during the match, he wasn’t feeling 100% well,” Jaissle revealed post-match. “He has a sickness feeling, so we also need to consider that. But in general, especially in the first 30 minutes, he used his strengths on the wing so this is an element we can use more often for sure.”
Perhaps it is harsh to criticise a 21-year-old so soon into his Newcastle career. But if he wants to lead the line in black-and-white stripes, Fernandez-Pardo should be judged accordingly.
He has talent - that is undeniable. But no player’s personal ambition can come at the expense of what is best for the team. Fair play to Jaissle for acknowledging that.
Newcastle must give Fernandez-Pardo every opportunity to fulfil his potential, but the responsibility of leading the line at St James’ Park has never been about promise alone. Ultimately, it is about scoring goals.
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