Is it a make-or-break period for Newcastle’s Aleksandar Mitrovic?

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The next few weeks are going to be crucial for the future of Aleksandar Mitrovic’s career at Newcastle United. He was signed for a fee in the region of £13 million during the summer of 2015 after an impressive period with Anderlecht in Belgium. There was hope that he would develop into a striker capable of scoring 15+ goals in the Premier League, but he hasn’t lived up to the billing. He splits the fan base on Tyneside and he is going to have to do a lot better if he is to remain a part of Rafa Benitez’s long-term plans. The 22-year-old will be given an opportunity during the coming weeks as Dwight Gayle continues to struggle with a hamstring problem.

Although the performances and goals haven’t been there to back up the hype, Mitrovic’s passion is the reason why a lot of Newcastle fans have warmed to him. He has spoken about being a Magpies supporter as a child and he has fronted up for his part in the team’s relegation. Despite his failure to cement a regular starting berth this season, it was admirable for the powerful striker to remain at the club. There were other teams interested, but he remained loyal and he deserves a lot of credit for that.

Many expected a season in the Championship to do a lot of good for the long term development of the 22-year-old. However, he has started in only seven matches and has struggled to move ahead of the league’s top scorer Gayle in the pecking order. This is somewhat surprising as Benitez has normally favoured a more powerful striker, very much in the mould of Mitrovic, at his previous clubs. The problem has been that the Serbian has been wasteful in front of goal and hasn’t always shown the determination to chase every loose ball in the same way as Gayle.

Currently, the former Anderlecht and Partizan Belgrade forward has scored four goals and contributed three assists. That may look underwhelming and he will be hoping for a significant improvement during the coming weeks, but his goal involvement stands at one every 102.6 minutes. Considering that he is perceived as playing within his ability, that isn’t bad at all and underlines the potential that Mitrovic possesses. He certainly offers more than Gayle in terms of his overall contribution, as he can hold the ball up and bring the midfielders into play. This is highlighted by the chances created of the two. The 22-year-old averages 1.96 every ninety minutes, while Newcastle’s first choice striker averages only 0.95.

The main obstacle preventing the Serbian international from cementing the striker’s position at St James’ Park is his poor finishing. He has a conversion rate of 12.1%, while Gayle’s stands at an incredible 26%. During the latter’s absence, Mitrovic has been starting most matches and he continues to frustrate in front of goal. There was a guilt edged chance that came his way at Norwich City that would have put Newcastle into a dominant 2-0 position, but he choked and that allowed the home side back into the game. If he can’t become more clinical in the Championship, it is difficult to see a future for him at the club if the club are promoted.

Despite Gayle’s injury not being as bad as first feared, Newcastle are likely to be cautious with him as they won’t want any further setbacks. This should mean that Mitrovic is set for a sustained run in the starting eleven. There are some tough matches ahead, including trips to Brighton, Huddersfield Town, and Reading. The Serbian international must step up now and show why he was one of the best young strikers in Europe. He has slowly got his temper under control and he needs to now add goals to his game.