At the start of their Championship campaign, it was perceived that the Geordies would be bereft of confidence and any spectacle owing to their fall last season but the exact opposite of such perceptions materialised as under the tutelage of Rafael Benitez, Newcastle United have gone from strength to strength and as a result, they are sitting comfortably at the summit of The Sky Bet Championship table with a decent lead of 5 points over second placed Brighton & Hove Albion.
Benitez appears to be a man with indomitable will and purpose to steer the black and white crop to the top tier and then challenge for the European spots. Though these aspirations are nothing more than distant dreams at the moment, the baby steps they are taking could surely help them to meet their needs in times to come.
More than anything else, they would need a stronger squad next season and in spite of looking for new signings in the summer transfer window, they must not forget about utilising someone who they already have in their books.
Siem de Jong was brought to St.James’ Park when Alan Pardew was at the helm in the summer of 2014 after showing humungous promise and potential at Ajax in Dutch Eredivisie. However, his move to the North East didn’t live up to the expectations of the club owing to his injuries and sporadic run of form.
After Benitez decided to make a considerable re-modification of the club, the 28-year-old attacker was considered to be surplus to the requirements of the setup of the former Real Madrid manager and was shipped all the way to Netherlands to ply his trade at PSV Eindhoven where he has made a mark for himself, yet again.
In 13 appearances for the Peasants so far this campaign, the Netherlands international has banged in 4 goals with a shot accuracy of 70%, apart from creating 4 chances and bagging 1 assist. De Jong, however, wishes to return to Tyneside and his comeback definitely looks to be on the cards, for he has looked fresh, hungry and is eager to prove his worth by helping PSV Eindhoven get into the scheme of things for clinching a European spot.
The attacker, who can play as a centre-forward as well as a No.10 does have unfinished business with the Toons and Benitez should be calling him back under his ranks next season when they fight in the Premier League once again, for the Dutchman deserves it.
Statistics Credits: Squawka.com
