When it comes to legendary strikers, Newcastle United’s iconic number nine shirt carries a weight of history. But what happens when a new player steps into those hallowed boots, especially one who’s faced a rocky start? Enter Yoane Wissa, the latest to inherit this storied jersey, and his performance in Newcastle’s 3-0 Champions League victory over PSV Eindhoven at St James’ Park was nothing short of inspiring. And this is the part most people miss: Wissa’s journey to this moment has been anything but smooth.
On a night where fans unfurled a banner urging their team to “write the next headline,” Wissa did just that—and more. Within eight minutes, he opened the scoring, setting the tone for a dominant display. But it wasn’t just his goal that stood out; his relentless press on PSV defender Yarek Gasiorowski led directly to Newcastle’s second goal. No wonder he left the field to a standing ovation, a testament to his man-of-the-match performance. Yet, this triumph is even more remarkable when you consider his recent struggles.
Wissa’s path to this moment has been fraught with challenges. A knee injury during international duty with DR Congo in September sidelined him before he could even settle in. “It’s been a tough start for him here,” admitted head coach Eddie Howe. “For any new player to come in, get a serious injury without even training, it’s mentally grueling.” Despite this, Wissa’s resilience shone through, and Howe believes there’s still more to come. “He came here for nights like these,” Howe added, “and I’m thrilled he’s made such a positive impact.”
But here’s where it gets controversial: Wissa’s form has been inconsistent. Since his debut last month, he’s scored just three goals, and his rusty moments—like missing a crucial chance against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi-finals—have raised questions. Yet, Wednesday’s performance hinted at his untapped potential. Howe had challenged him to “max out,” and Wissa delivered, leading the press against a naive PSV side that repeatedly tried to play out from the back.
Teammate Harvey Barnes, who also scored, acknowledged Wissa’s journey. “He’s had a tough start, injured for a long time. I’ve been there, and I know how hard it is,” Barnes told TNT Sports. “His first Champions League goal—he played brilliantly, and I’m over the moon for him.”
The real test for Wissa, however, is consistency. While he’s a poacher with a unique style—ranking first in cross option runs per game among Premier League forwards this season—he’s yet to find his rhythm. Opta defines these runs as those made into the penalty area to receive crosses, and Wissa’s ability here is unmatched. Yet, his 15th place ranking for runs in behind suggests there’s room for growth.
Howe sees Wissa as a transformative player, especially after Nick Woltemade’s lone burden up front during Wissa’s absence. The plan was always for them to share the load after Newcastle lost top scorer Alexander Isak to Liverpool last summer. Wissa’s £55m fee reflects his Premier League experience and his standout performances at Brentford, where his aggression and determination caught Howe’s eye. “I loved his attitude and the way he played,” Howe recalled.
That aggression is why Wissa is likely to start against Paris St-Germain next week, a game that could see Newcastle advance to the knockout stages. While Howe dismissed talk of “revenge” after a controversial penalty in their last visit to Paris, the team’s motivation is undeniable. “We know what we’re capable of,” Barnes added. “We have a score to settle, and it’s a massive challenge, but why not?”
So, here’s the question: Can Wissa consistently deliver at this level, or will his rocky start continue to overshadow his potential? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one debate that’s sure to spark differing opinions.
