Transfers might be the talk of the Toon at the moment, what with the high profile departures of Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon. But several of Newcastle’s star players (that are sticking around… for now) have been taking part in the World Cup.Â
Here’s how they got on, and how we assessed them…
Dan Burn (England) – BÂ
Burn’s beautiful headers were instrumental in keeping Mexico at bay in their round of 16 tie, helping England into the quarter finals of the World Cup where they will take on Norway. That has been his only appearance of the tournament so far, but that alone is deserving of a good grade.Â
Many pundits think he’ll get a start in Saturday’s quarterfinals match, given his size and historical success at neutralizing Erling Haaland. If he can keep the viking off the score sheet and England move on, upgrade him to an A+.
Anthony Elanga (Sweden) – B+
Elanga scored twice in the four games he played for Sweden. One of those was a phyrric effort in his team’s 5-1 thrashing at the hands of the Netherlands, but his equalizer against Japan was crucial in helping his country to progress to the knockouts, where they were ultimately well beaten by France. His performances will provide encouragement that he can enjoy a better second season at St James’ Park than his first one.Â
Bruno Guimarães (Brazil) – C+
Much of the focus on Bruno Guimarães has not been on his performances at the World Cup but on his future at St. James’ Park, with Arsenal reportedly keen on signing the 28-year-old. Â
His performances at the World Cup, however, have been largely impressive. He set up four goals in the five games he played to help Brazil to reach the round of 16. Unfortunately for him, his tournament will be remembered for the penalty he missed in their disastrous loss to Norway which saw Carlo Ancelotti’s side fall to an early exit.
Yoane Wissa (DR Congo) – B+
Like Elanga, Wissa’s performances at the World Cup will give Newcastle fans confidence that he can still deliver on the hefty price tag that was paid for him. He scored three goals in the four games he played for DR Congo, one of which came in his side’s shock 1-1 draw with Portugal. He unfortunately could not help his side pull off a huge upset by beating England as DR Congo exited in the round of 32, but Wissa can certainly return home with his head held high.
Malick Thiaw (Germany) – D
Thiaw cannot be held too responsible for Germany’s disaster of a World Cup, but he hardly did much to help, making two appearances off the bench. One came in the group stage defeat to Ecuador and the other in the penalty shoot-out loss to Paraguay.
Nick Woltemade (Germany) – F
Germany fans wanted to see opportunity handed to Nick Woltemade by boss Julian Nagelsmann. Unfortunately, all they got to see of the big striker was a pretty uneventful 32-minute cameo in Germany’s round of 32 exit to Paraguay. Newcastle supporters can empathize.
