How Newcastle loan star Miodrag Pivas fared in five-goal blockbuster, he could solve major Eddie Howe problem

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Newcastle United loanee Miodrag Pivas made his first start for Dutch side Willem II on Wednesday.

19-year-old centre-back Miodrag Pivas joined Newcastle this summer from Serbian side Jedinstvo Ub after he was highlighted as an exciting young prospect.

Just weeks after his arrival on Tyneside, Newcastle announced that Pivas had been sent on a season-long loan to Dutch side Willem II.

Newcastle hope Pivas is another Yankuba Minteh and the youngster was loaned out to gather experience before hopefully challenging for a spot in Eddie Howe‘s first-team squad.

Improving youth facilities and the academy has been a big focal point since the PIF takeover in 2021, and in Pivas, Newcastle hope they have discovered a gem.

The Serbian defender, who can also play in midfield, made his first start at Willem II on Wednesday and Newcastle chiefs will likely have been very impressed by what they saw.

READ MORE: Who is Miodrag Pivas? Get to know Newcastle’s new Serbian sensation who Nemanja Matic says is a ‘huge talent’

Miodrag Pivas stars on first start for Willem II

Pivas has made two appearances as a substitute for Willem II in the Eredivisie after coming on for short cameos against PSV and Ajax in recent weeks.

However, he had to wait until Wednesday to get his first start for the side against SC Genemuiden in the KNVB Cup.

Pivas started at centre-back for the Dutch side and played 90 minutes in what turned out to be a five-goal blockbuster with Willem II winning 3-2 after extra time.

The young Serbian impressed at the back, ending his performance with a whopping 121 touches of the ball and a mightily impressive pass completion rate of 96 percent (107/112 completed passes).

Pivas completed five of his six long ball attempts and only lost possession eight times.

Defensively, he was very solid with one interception, two tackles and three successful duels. He was replaced after 90 minutes before Willem II went on to win in extra time.

Miodrag Pivas could solve Newcastle centre-back problem

Centre-back has been a problem area for Newcastle with Howe left short of options at the back in recent seasons.

As a result, a top-class centre-back was a priority for Newcastle over the summer but Paul Mitchell failed to sign Marc Guehi despite a lengthy saga over the summer window.

READ MORE: Latest Newcastle United signing pictured with Nemanja Matic after missing Japan trip

Newcastle have now turned their attention to signing a right winger in January with the transfer budget not big enough to address both areas.

However, if Pivas can continue his strong start in the Netherlands then he could soon fight for a spot in Newcastle’s squad.

Time and patience will be needed as Pivas gains experience and fulfils his potential, but it seems Newcastle have another exciting youngster on their books.