Yoane Wissa has been named in Troy Deeney’s Premier League team of the week following his heroics for Newcastle United against Burnley.
The 29-year-old scored his first league goal of the season in Newcastle United’s 3-1 win over Burnley, as Eddie Howe’s side ended 2025 with a far from convincing victory.
Newcastle United were nowhere near their best, but the big highlight from the win at Turf Moor was Yoane Wissa’s goal. It was a scruffy tap-in from a couple of yards, but it was the type of goal that they have missed since Alexander Isak’s departure.
Eddie Howe will hope this is the start of a strong run of form for Wissa, and former Premier League striker Troy Deeney has pinpointed how the £55million man can transform the Magpies’ fortunes.
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Following Newcastle’s win over Burnley, Deeney has included Wissa in his team of the week for BBC Sport.
On Wissa, Deeney said: “First goal in two games. He’s had a tough start since he got in to Newcastle after being injured but as a spark, he has a willingness to work for his team and an infectious personality that makes everybody else run if he is running.
“He’s always smiling so that’s why he gets in the team.”
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Wissa’s eagerness to get in behind and play on the shoulder of the last man is something that Newcastle United have desperately missed. Both of his Toon goals have been messy, but that is something that should be celebrated.
Alas, it is Wissa’s smile that has Deeney celebrating and including him in his team of the week. It is a strange bit of justification from the ex-Watford striker, as Wissa’s ruthlessness in the box should surely take precedence.
Joelinton joins Yoane Wissa in the team of the week
Wissa is not the only Newcastle United player who Deeney has picked out.
Joelinton was also named in the BBC Sport team of the week, having scored within two minutes on his return to the Newcastle United starting XI.
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“Is there a more dominant midfielder in the Premier League [than Joelinton]? I’ll wait,” Deeney said.
“6ft 4in, can run all over you, can fight with you but also can do what he did against Burnley and score a goal after two minutes that was worthy of winning any game.”
It was an impressive return to the side for Joelinton, who also forced the Magpies’ second goal with his intense pressing.
The challenge for the 29-year-old is to deliver that kind of performance on a consistent basis. Joelinton has blown hot and cold this season, resulting in questions over his long-term future on Tyneside.
It has been reported that Joelinton could leave Newcastle United, with clubs in the Saudi Pro League showing an interest in the Brazilian enforcer.
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