Yoane Wissa Leads Newcastle United to Victory Over Valencia in Pre-Season Opener
Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa netted two goals, securing head coach Matthias Jaissle a 2-1 victory against Valencia in his inaugural pre-season friendly. The match took place at the Mestalla Stadium.
Valencia’s Filip Ugrinic began the scoring with a curling effort, putting his team in the lead. However, Wissa, who came on as a substitute, equalized with a composed effort from close range.
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In the second half, Wissa edged the visitors ahead after new signing Bazoumana Toure assisted him with a timely pass, allowing Wissa to slot the ball home.
How did the Newcastle players perform against the Spanish side?
Starting XI
Lukas Hornicek: He appeared comfortable with the ball at his feet, making several decent saves, but he needs to enhance his communication with his centre-backs and assertiveness in his area. 7
Leo Shahar: His positive gameplay and attempts to deliver balls behind the defense made for a valuable experience for the 19-year-old. 7
Malick Thiaw: On his 25th birthday, he captained the side, suggesting a glimpse of what the future might hold for him. 7
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Sven Botman: He encountered a close call after a mix-up at the back, nearly heading the ball into his own net but managed to recover. 6
Miodrag Pivas: He performed well, considering it is challenging for a young right-footed centre-back to play out of position at left-back. 7
Aladji Bamba: In his first appearance since transferring from Monaco for up to £34m, he exhibited a little casualness in his passing but showed composure and eagerness for the ball. 7
Jacob Ramsey: He played a stunning clipped pass that Anthony Elanga had ruled offside. His energy and drive were evident throughout the match. 8
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Anthony Elanga: He was a bright spot in the game until a poor challenge from Jose Gaya forced him off on a stretcher. The club remains hopeful it is not a serious shin injury. 7
Nick Woltemade: While he prefers the number 10 role, he struggled to make a significant impact during the match. He was pushed off the ball too easily at times and needs to contribute more. 5
William Osula: He saw one shot hit the side netting from a difficult angle, and a penalty appeal was dismissed. 6
Harvey Barnes: His effort was commendable as he competes with Toure for a starting spot. 6
Substitutes
Jacob Murphy (on 38): He aimed to make an early impact, but a couple of his crosses were successfully claimed by Stole Dimitrievski. 6
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Yoane Wissa (on 45): He was sharp from the moment of his entry, taking both goals with composure. He looks to build on a promising World Cup showing with DR Congo after a challenging first season with Newcastle. 8
Bazoumana Toure (on 45): Another debutant after his transfer from Hoffenheim for £43m, he played a key role in both goals, first by pressing and winning the ball, then assisting Wissa for the second. He showed impressive speed. 8
Mason Miley (on 45): Like his older brother Lewis, he appeared unfazed by the occasion and has already attracted Jaissle’s attention in training. 6
Sean Steur (on 45): At just 18, he plays with maturity beyond his years, maintaining tidy possession while consistently wanting the ball. 7
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Joelinton (on 67): He added a much-needed bite to the team. 6
Joe Willock (on 67): He provided thrust through the middle, helping to energize the squad. 6
Dylan Charlton (on 67): The academy graduate did not show signs of nervousness. 6
Henry Johnson (on 73): The 18-year-old made his Newcastle debut, marking a memorable moment in his career. 6
Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa scored twice to give head coach Matthias Jaissle a 2-1 win against Valencia in his first pre-season friendly in charge.
Filip Ugrinic opened the scoring for Valencia with a curling effort at the Mestalla Stadium, but substitute Wissa equalised with a calm finish from close range.
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The second-half substitute then went on to put the visitors in front after new signing Bazoumana Toure unselfishly squared the ball to him to slot home.
How did the Newcastle players perform against the Spanish side?
Starting XI
Lukas Hornicek: Comfortable in possession and made a couple of decent saves. But needs to be more assertive with his communication to his centre-backs and command his area. 7
Leo Shahar: Positive in his play and constantly looked to play balls in behind down the right. A valuable experience for the 19-year-old. 7
Malick Thiaw: Handed the captain’s armband on his 25th birthday in what felt like a glimpse of the future. 7
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Sven Botman: Had a heart-in-mouth moment following a mix up at the back and nearly headed the ball into his own net, but recovered from there. 6
Miodrag Pivas: Acquitted himself. Not easy for a young right-footed centre-back playing out of position at left-back. 7
Aladji Bamba: First appearance since joining from Monaco in a deal worth up to £34m. A little casual at times – a couple of passes went awry – but looked composed and constantly wanted the ball. 7
Jacob Ramsey: Played a stunning clipped pass for a goal Anthony Elanga had ruled out for offside. Energetic and repeatedly looked to drive forward. 8
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Anthony Elanga: A real bright spark before he was wiped out by a poor challenge from Jose Gaya. Taken off on a stretcher in distress, but club hopeful it is not a serious injury after he bruised his shin. 7
Nick Woltemade: Likes the number 10 role, but struggled to affect the game. Knocked off the ball a little too easily at times. Needs to offer more. 5
William Osula: Saw one shot hit the side netting from a tight angle and also had a penalty appeal waved away. 6
Harvey Barnes: Effort was never in question, but has a battle with Toure for the starting spot. 6
Substitutes
Jacob Murphy (on 38): Looked to quickly make an impression, but a couple of his whipped crosses were claimed by Stole Dimitrievski. 6
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Yoane Wissa (on 45): Sharp from the moment he entered the fray. Took his goals coolly. Looking to build on some promising signs with DR Congo at the World Cup after a difficult first season at Newcastle. 8.
Bazoumana Toure (on 45): Another debutant after joining from Hoffenheim for £43m. Played a role in both goals after pressing Guido Fernandes, who gave the ball away for the first, and then laid it off for Wissa for the second. Rapid. 8.
Mason Miley (on 45): Like his older brother, Lewis, not overawed by such a stage. Has already made an impression on Jaissle in training. 6
Sean Steur (on 45): Still just 18 years of age, but plays like someone much older. Tidy in possession. Constantly wants the ball. 7
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Joelinton (on 67): Added bite. 6
Joe Willock (on 67): Gave the team thrust through the middle. 6
Dylan Charlton (on 67): Academy graduate did not look fazed. 6
Henry Johnson (on 73): A memorable night for the 18-year-old as he made his Newcastle debut. 6
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