The Newcastle United fans are hoping to see the arrival of a new striker to the club over the summer and I would expect to see that happen, but is the future of Newcastle’s attack already at the club? In the penultimate Premier League game of the season at Stamford Bridge Newcastle finished the game with Sammy Ameobi, Nile Ranger and Kazenga Lua Lua all on the pitch. These youngsters are all clambering to prove themselves in the first team and while they will have to bide their time, could next season be their opportunity to shine?
Nile Ranger is further ahead in his progression than Lua Lua and Ameobi, having featured throughout this season’s campaign and he is more likely to be the one who pushes for a regular place on the bench next season. Lua Lua had an impressive loan spell at Brighton last season where he scored four goals in eleven games, but it was unfortunately cut short as he broke his leg. It may be that Ameobi and Lua Lua are still not ready in their development to push for the first team and would be better suited going out on loan next season. These are decisions Alan Pardew will have to make in an attempt to blend recognised first teamers and promising young players into the first team squad.
Pardew seems willing to give his young players a chance and he is clearly well aware of what they are capable of, as this quote from Pardew about his young players on NUFC blog shows, “They have been in the right environment and they are ready to step in if needed. They are coming up from a development pool that is well looked after with people like Peter Beardsley, Steve Stone, Willie Donachie and of course John Carver and myself having an input into that.” It’s too premature to say whether these young guns are going to be the future of Newcastle’s attack as they have only dipped their toes into the Premiership waters so far but there are promising signs.
What I have seen of Nile Ranger this season is encouraging in terms of his work rate, pace and movement, but he doesn’t seem to have that natural finisher’s instinct in front of goal. If he is to be a Newcastle striker of the future I think it’s something he needs to work on, but it’s not unattainable and he could have a promising future ahead at the club. I have seen very little of Ameobi and Lua Lua, other than their cameos against Chelsea, to really cast judgement on the players. However, if they continue to excel for the reserves, they will get more chances like they did at Stamford Bridge to prove themselves.
It will be interesting to see how these three attack-minded players develop over the course of next season, the activity in the summer transfer window will play a major part in whether or not they are given the opportunity to make the step up. While all Newcastle fans will be expecting and hoping to see new attackers come in to St James’ over the summer, I imagine Ranger, Lua Lua and Ameobi won’t be as keen to see new forwards joining the club as it will inevitably stunt their chances of making the first team. If they have what it takes, their time will come though and there would be nothing better than to see academy developed players making the grade.
Written by Tom MacGregor for FootballFancast.com.
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It’s Sammy Ameobi I guess you’re thinking of, Shola is 29. I haven’t enough about Sammy to comment but was mildly surprised at his playing style against Chelsea, better than I’d imagined.
Nile Ranger has been placed on the transfer list (allegedly). His record is 3 goals in 58 appearances. No great shakes. (Although admittedly a lot of those appearances have been off the bench)
Kazenga Lua Lua flatters to deceive he’s OK attacking but fails to track back or cover defensively. Also he’s a winger not a striker.
The youngsters aren’t ready. Best is decent enough at what he does. Shola is as frustrating as ever and Lovenkrands puts the effort in but is looking increasingly out of his depth. If Newcastle don’t buy a striker in this transfer window they will be relegated next season.
Do you know anything about the team?
Ameobi is 29 and is slow, lazy and a pregnant rhino has better ball control.
Ranger lacks commitment, he’s late for training, messes about when he is there and when he gets the chance to prove himself, he puts in a p*** poor performance.
Lua Lua is a right sided midfielder and not a forward.
We have 2 excellent strikers in the reserves by way of the Northumberland born Phil Airey and the flame haired Michael Richardson, who will probably figure in next years campaign.
End of dit.
First of all Shola Ameobi is hardly a youngster clambering to improve himself. Perhaps you meant his brother Sami.
If Sami turns out to be anything like his brother, then maybe Newcastle should get rid of him now. Shola is the definition of underachievement.
Nile Ranger has been given every opportunity to prove himself and has failed dismally. Yes he’s only a youngster, but he was not at all impressive.
Kazenga Lua Lua however has been exciting and improved while on loan. I would expect Lua Lua is the one that will impact most on the first team.
I’m not sure which articles you are reading but to suggest that Ameobi and Lua Lua have exceled in the reserves is a bit ambitious – partuclarly as you already mentioned, Lua Lua spent most of last season either at Brighton or with a broken leg
Another point with regard to your accuracy, as a midfielder I dont think Lua Lua will be too bothered about Newcastle bringing in strikers.
Personally – I reckon Newcastle need strikers. I dont see anyone in the reserves being ready to break into the first team and start ripping apart premiership defences.
Plonka!!
The strikers mentioned will never be good enough to be first choice strikers for newcastle, the only young striker i can see making it is Phil Airey, i dont understand why pardew didnt play him when we became safe and went with Sammy Ameobi instead, we need a youngish hard working striker in the mould of shearer, i believe this guy would be perfect ?Ideye Aide Brown, youtube him and see the comparison with shearer