Newcastle United’s senior players may have let the side down on Boxing Day in the defeat against Man United, but Eddie Howe has reason to be positive thanks to one Magpies starlet.
While fans may be fed up of seeing the Newcastle squad put in inconsistent performances week after week, there are bright sparks hidden among the rough.
Is Sam Alabi ready for more minutes?
His big chance is coming, surely!
We know Eddie Howe and the Newcastle owners avoid social media in order to shut out the noise from angry fans. But, maybe they should listen once in a while.
That’s especially true when it comes to the emerging young talent coming through at Newcastle and the chances they are afforded.
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Sam Alabi is ready to shine for Newcastle United
Speaking to the press after the game against the Red Devils, Eddie Howe was asked about Newcastle United academy ace Sam Alabi, who was on the bench at Old Trafford.
He said: “Sam has done well when he’s trained with us but he’s so young and we have to be mindful of that and certainly look after him, protect him, nurture him, but he’s certainly got a lot of talent.
“He’s got a great attitude as well. I love his fearlessness and the way he’s adapted to the group. He’s got a great future ahead of him if he continues to work hard.”
Alabi may not have made it on to the pitch on this occasion, but it does sound like he’s getting closer and closer to a proper chance with the first-team; something that would surely delight the fans.
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It’s time to give youth a chance at Newcastle United
Given Newcastle are in the midst of a real injury crisis right now, and with performances not living up to expectations, is there really anything to lose by throwing players like Sam Alabi into the fray?
We’ve already seen Lewis Miley flourish this season with an extended run in the team. The younger players are often more hungry and determined to impress, too, and it’s hard to deny that the same desire is lacking in the more experienced players right now.
Obviously, Newcastle have an array of talent in midfield, which makes it difficult for Alabi to force his way in. We’re not expecting him to be in the Newcastle XI to face Burnley or anything, but surely Howe can afford to give him some minutes off the bench against the Clarets.
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