‘Really threatening’: Newcastle youngster receives praise following performance last night

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Newcatle United under-21 star Amadou Diallo has been praised following a strong display in last night’s Football League Trophy defeat to Wrexham.

The 20-year-old started on the wing and caused Wrexham’s senior side some problems before the Newcastle academy side fell to a defeat, but he caught the eye and has now been praised by his coach Ben Dawson.

Speaking to the Northern Echo, Dawson admitted that Diallo had been struggling with consistency until now, but was starting to display his talents on the pitch, and he was pleased with his performance.

“We see what he’s got Monday to Friday, and then come a Saturday, he almost looks at times as though he’s got the weight of the world on his shoulders,” Dawson claimed.

“We just said to him ahead of the game, ‘Go and enjoy the experience, and make sure that by the end of the game, they know who you are’.

“He’s done that, so fair play to him. He’s taken that on board and looked really threatening. We now need to get him to the point where he’s adding some end product to what he’s doing.”

Taking the next step

Diallo joined from West Ham’s academy last October, and he has made 18 appearances for Newcastle’s under-21 side so far, scoring four goals.

Whilst he has impressed with his dribbling ability, as he caused Wrexham’s defence trouble with his speed, his aim this season should be to improve his end product.

If he is able to take the next step and add goals and assists to his game, he could emerge as a top talent within the academy and even come into consideration for a first-team breakthrough.

He may not have much luck in the first-team given that Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes are the left-wing options, but if he continues to develop well then you never know.