Doncaster Rovers manager Richie Wellens has praised Newcastle United youngster Rodrigo Vilca.
The Toon talent is spending the season on loan with the League One outfit, and so far he’s made four appearances for the club.
Two of those have come in the league, and two have come in the EFL Trophy.
It is an important season for Vilca, who joined Newcastle from Deportivo Municipal in 2020.
RONALDO NEEDS TO STOP WHINING.
His progress has been hampered by injuries, but he now has the chance to get back on track and make a name for himself.
And it seems he has already caught the eye at the Keepmoat Stadium.
Rovers boss Wellens said of the player (via Doncaster Free Press): “I think you can see he’s quality. It’s just that final little bit.
“He receives the ball very well and he reminds me of a player that I actually played with from Peru called Nobby Solano.
“He’s a really cultured footballer, now it’s just about that last little bit.”
According to Doncaster Free Press, Vilca ‘produced some encouraging moments with the ball at his feet’ in the 1-0 win over Morecambe at the weekend.
He also sought to beat players with his dribbling.
Encouraging words from Wellens
So it seems Vilca has made a good impression early doors at Doncaster which is good.
Wellens did also suggest he needs to improve his end product, and hopefully with regular game time he can do that.
Hopes are high back at Newcastle that Vilca can eventually become a part of the first-team squad.
Perhaps those Solano comparisons were inevitable given Vilca also hails from Peru. But it would be great if he could actually develop into a cult-hero figure like the former Magpies winger did.