Newcastle flop inspiring historic title charge with 10 goals and 11 assists

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Joselu is not the only former Newcastle United striker enjoying a late, autumnal resurgence away from the Premier League giants. 

While Joselu does his level best to fill a Karim Benzema-shaped hole in Real Madrid’s frontline – what the Spaniard lacks in star power he arguably makes up for with presence and endeavour – Yoshinori Muto offers further proof that a bad spell in English football does not necessarily equal a ‘bad footballer’. 

In 25 league games across three years, Muto scored just once in Newcastle United’s black-and-white stripe before returning to Vissel Kobe via the back door in 2021. 

And while the 31-year-old did not exactly set the world alight in his first two seasons back in the J-League, third time – as they say – is the charm.

Ex Newcastle man Yoshinori Muto making history

Across 34 games in all competitions, Muto has a highly-impressive 21 goal contributions this term. His fine form – the one-time £9.5 million acquisition from Mainz as much a creator as he is a finisher these days – is a major reason why Vissel Kobe are four points clear at the top of the table with just five games remaining, a team also containing former Manchester United playmaker Juan Mata on the verge of their first ever league title. 

“We knew we couldn’t win the game unless we gave 120 per cent,” an exhausted Muto gasped after scoring as Vissel Kobe defeated reigning champions Yokohama F Marinos 2-0 away from home a fornight ago (Mainichi).

One of those ‘hallmark of champions’ sort of performances. 

Five games to go

“Even if our muscles were torn, we played with the desire to keep running for the team until the end,” the striker adds.

No one at St James’ Park could ever question Yoshinori Muto’s work rate, his character or his desire to make a success of his time on Tyneside.

Now on the verge of a historic title, not to mention double figures in a league campaign for the first time since he was leading the line at FC Tokyo back in 2015, only thoe with a heart of stone could begrudge Muto his moment in the sun.