Newcastle fans spot new position for Yoane Wissa in first game since £55m transfer

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Yoane Wissa put any doubts regarding his match fitness to bed with a goal and assist in his first game of the season.

Wissa has not featured so far this campaign after asking to leave Brentford. He was left out of their opening fixtures before his deadline day transfer to Newcastle for a reported £55m.

With Alexander Isak leaving St James’ Park to join Liverpool, Wissa will be tasked with replacing his considerable presence up front, alongside fellow new signing Nick Woltemade.

Wissa scored 20 goals last season from his number nine position for Brentford, but he curiously lined up on the left wing for DR Congo on Friday in their World Cup qualifier.

Newcastle fans show excitement at Yoane Wissa goal for DR Congo

Less than 24 hours after Woltemade led the line for Germany in their disappointing 2-0 defeat to Slovakia, Wissa was lining up for DR Congo against South Sudan, looking to help his country boost their World Cup qualification hopes.

Wissa laid on an assist from the left wing in the first half, before latching onto a through-ball early into the second period, holding off a defender and slotting home one-on-one.

He was then substituted before the hour mark, however his versatility and movement caught the attention of Newcastle fans, who saw a way for Wissa to play alongside Woltemade when they both return to St James’ Park.

@DanNUFC said: “Quick goal and assist for Wissa in a 60 minute shift after not playing since May. Standard.” Oliver Sterling posted: “That’s a class little finish.”

@swinburne_mark noted: “Wissa playing on the left against South Sudan.” Geordie Josh posted: “Wissa subbed off at the 60’ mark, one assist, one goal, jobs a good-un.”

Yoane Wissa performance for DR Congo shows Newcastle how he can play alongside Nick Woltemade

If the question was how Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade can play together at Newcastle, Wissa’s first appearance of the season could offer a perfect solution for Eddie Howe.

With Wissa coming in off the left and scoring for DR Congo on Friday, it suggests he could work with tall striker Woltemade in a fluid attack, supported on the opposite by Anthony Gordon or Anthony Elanga.

Wissa played most of his football for Brentford as their sole striker, especially last season. However, his overall career statistics suggest he has played almost an equal number of games from the left wing as he has in attack.

His record on the left is remarkably similar to his record in the middle, albeit with more assists from the wing. So if he can form a partnership with Woltemade, Newcastle could be set for a prolific future with their new-look attack.