‘I believe we have’… 19-year-old Newcastle player thinks he is just like Miguel Almiron

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Miguel Almiron is far from finished at Newcastle United, but the club might already have his replacement lined up.

That is because Toon teenager Yankuba Minteh has been speaking to the club’s official website, and compared himself to the 29-year-old speedster.

Minteh joined Newcastle in the summer from Odense BK, with the club spending £6million on a player who could develop into a really special footballer.

The 19-year-old was immediately loaned out to Feyenoord, where he has been impressing. Minteh has done better than most expected for the Dutch side, and has even made his Champions League debut.

He has been earning rave reviews during his loan spell, which has led to speculation that he could be recalled by Newcastle and play a part in the second half of the season.

That would come as a surprise, but Minteh’s time on Tyneside will come.

Yankuba Minteh compares himself to Miguel Almiron

For the first time since joining Newcastle United, Minteh has spoke to the club’s official website.

He has spoke about the type of player he is, and explained why he is currently looking up to Miguel Almiron after previously admiring Toon cult hero Hatem Ben Arfa.

“I used to be a fan of Hatem Ben Arfa when he was Newcastle and I enjoyed the way he played,” he said.

“I liked Demba Ba and Papiss Cissé too but, now, I’m looking up to Miguel Almiron, a winger like myself, as I believe we have a similar playing style.

“My main strengths as a footballer is my pace. I am able to run quite fast and I like to dribble, beating defenders in one-on-one situations and scoring goals. Dribbling is one of the things I enjoy most when playing on the pitch.”

Minteh could eventually replace Almiron at Newcastle

Minteh thinks he is similar in style to Almiron, which probably explains why the club bought him in the first place.

Dan Ashworth will be eager for his signing to rise through the ranks and become a first-team regular at St James’ Park, and it sounds like he has bought a readymade replacement for Almiron.

That is smart, and should help Minteh find his feet in the senior side when Eddie Howe eventually decides that he is needed in the Premier League.

That could happen as early as next season, which would save Newcastle an absolute fortune – especially if Minteh settles as a Newcastle player as quickly as he has at Feyenoord.

The Gambian believes his speed is his biggest asset, and the same can be said for Almiron. If he can match the Paraguayan’s work rate and enthusiasm then he will become a star in black and white.