Lee Ryder’s match review after 2-0 loss in Japan
This summer may well be looked back on as the one where young talent Trevan Sanusi really laid down a marker on the way to becoming a first-team regular at Newcastle United.
The 17-year-old, signed last summer from Birmingham City despite interest from a wealth of top Premier League’s biggest clubs, spent last season mixing it with Newcastle’s Under-18 and 21 sides but certainly has not looked out of place in and around the senior players of late.
Sanusi was included in the trip to Adidas’ HQ in Germany, featured against Hull City last weekend and emerged from the bench in both matches out in Japan in recent days. The teen was brought on for 11 minutes against Urawa Red Diamonds on Tuesday and was arguably the best player on the pitch after being introduced as one of seven half-time changes in Saturday’s defeat to Yokohama F Marinos.
Sanusi was withdrawn late in the second-half after picking up a knee issue and, after missing the business end of the last campaign with a similar problem, fingers will be crossed that a serious injury has not been sustained. During his short stint on the pitch, the tricky winger showed a familiar willingness to take on players and proved a handful down the left-channel.
Supporters will no doubt be hoping for a further glimpse of the former Midlands star at next weekend’s Sela Cup and it would come as no surprise if the prospect is used in and around the senior team in the months to come.
After an expansive recruitment drive last summer, Newcastle bolstered their youth ranks with exciting talent from across the UK. At present, Sanusi, who was an under the radar arrival, appears to be the one excelling more than most. Alfie Harrison, purchased from Manchester City in January, also looked impressive in Saturday’s loss in Tokyo.
“He [Sanusi] has definitely got talent. He’s very clever with the ball, he’s got lots of tricks in his bank that he can pull out from time to time,” Howe said earlier this week. “I’m excited by him, I think he’s got the basics of a really good framework to build from and it’s going to be up to us and him to develop those skills and talents.
“Certainly the Premier League is a totally different beast physically and that’s something he’s going to have to continuously work on but for someone so young I think he’s made a good impression.”
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