Thread by @nufcsanjay

THREAD🧵: Yankuba Minteh - Newcastle United’s New Youngster 🇬🇲

The 18 year-old Gambian has become #NUFC’s first incoming of the 23/24 season, having signed for around €7m. Why have the club chosen Minteh, and why is the Feyenoord loan move such a good one for him?

Minteh was signed by Odense Boldklub on a 2-year contract last summer after two trials with the club. He was signed for the U19 side, but within the space of two games for them, the coaching staff felt he was already first-team ready.

After scoring the winner against eventual champions FC Copehagen on debut, he went to to become a regular for OB, playing 17 times this season, and starting in 15 of them.

He racked up an impressive 4 goals and 6 assists across these league games.

Minteh is a strongly left-footed player who’s predominantly played as a right-winger for OB, and looks to be at home on the flank.

He’s incredibly quick with and without the ball, and his profile is typified by his relentlessly positive ball carrying.

To sum up Minteh in one word: bold.

He’s fearless with the ball at his feet, and constantly looks to take defenders on. He shifts the ball quickly with his left foot, and his gangly dribbling style often sees him power past his opponents and into space.

In deeper areas, he’s able to burst past defenders using raw pace, and when in the final third, he favours jinking inside, and looking for a shot.

He occasionally beats players on their outside too, although this often forces him onto his right foot.

Despite his evident talent with the ball at his feet, he’s still extremely raw. He could learn to protect the ball better when carrying it, and his decision making could definitely improve. His choices of passes, crosses and shots does need work.

Part of this is due to the fact that he dribbles largely with his head down, and so isn’t able to take in his surroundings and pick out the appropriate action when he’s running at full pelt.

The result of all of this is his poor ball retention numbers, and excellent progression numbers.

The talent is undeniably there, and with the right coaching and refinement, I’ve got no doubts that Minteh finds that balance and becomes a more consistent threat.

His ball-striking is decent, and his finishing has generally been fairly impressive for his age.

He could improve his final touch before setting himself to shoot, but there are positive signs. I really liked this finish in particular.

All in all, Minteh is a confident footballer, and I’m sure that bravery would’ve reflected well in the eyes of our recruitment team.

He’s fearless with the ball, in duels, and even defensively. He’s a thoroughly committed player.

He’s had some moments of ill-discipline over the last few months which is part and parcel of being a teenager to an extent.

As long as he gets the guidance he needs, hopefully that’ll be limited in the future, and his potential on the pitch can be reached.

The other interesting element of this deal is Minteh’s loan move to Feyenoord. I’ll be honest - I did not expect him to get such a high-profile move.

They’re the Dutch champions, and are in the Champions League next season (funnily enough, in Pot 1, while #NUFC are in Pot 4).

Highly-rated manager Arne Slot is still in charge, and looks likely to stay there, so that’ll be an amazing opportunity for Minteh to learn from a top manager.

The general levels of competitiveness, intensity, and quality can only be beneficial for an 18 year-old.

Slot also plays a brand of football that focuses on pressing at the right times. It’s about striking a balance between being willing enough to get bodies high up the pitch, but also not overcommitting - something which will enhance Minteh’s tactical astuteness.

In addition, Slot favours inverted wingers (which Minteh is), relies on wide rotations to create chances, and his side is excellent in transitions.

Again, this is a style which will only benefit the young Gambian.

Minutes are important for Minteh at this stage though - and that isn’t guaranteed at Feyenoord. He’ll have to prove himself, and competition will be intense. With European football however, they’ll have to shuffle their pack, and hopefully that gives him opportunities.

It’s the sort of loan move that doesn’t have too many downsides.

He’s guaranteed to learn from an excellent coach, will be nurtured properly within Feyenoord’s facilities, and could potentially seriously enhance his reputation if the move goes well on the pitch.

An exciting part of this new era for #NUFC is the signings of players like Minteh.

High potential youngsters, who we can loan out, and hopefully they’ll eventually become PL quality players in years to come. For a few more names, check out my thread:

Yankuba Minteh is a raw talent who has made a big impact in a short space of time, at a good level. He’s lightning quick, has technical quality, and hopefully the desire to keep improving.

This move to Feyenoord will hopefully be the start of a successful career at #NUFC.