Newcastle United: 7 Exciting Youth Prospects

2. Haris Vuckic

One of the few seemingly astute purchases by then Director of Football Dennis Wise, Vuckic had a lot of established European clubs sniffing around whilst a youth prospect at NK Domzale but the Magpies were able to secure his services for what€™s been described as a €˜substantial fee€™. His progression into the first team appeared to have stalled last season thanks to a succession of various minor injuries after putting in some impressive performances versus West Brom and Liverpool (despite Newcastle losing both). A loan to Cardiff City was successful but again cut short due to injuries to Vuckic and Newcastle€™s midfield. This year the Slovenian could play a key part in Newcastle€™s Europa league campaign and get substantial first team minutes under his belt in the competition. At 6€™3€ he could easily become a midfield powerhouse in a few years and, if promotional photos are anything to go by, he has spent the last year working on his upper body strength, something Pardew will be very keen on with Newcastle lacking steel in midfield whenever Tiote is unavailable. Possessing a wicked shot from the edge of the box (perhaps too keen to pull the trigger rather than look for other options) and good composure on the ball, Vuckic has excelled for the Reserves playing as an attacking midfielder and with his height can even play as a second striker. Unfortunately for the 20-year-old these are two positions Pardew is loathe to attempt in Premier League fixtures but the Europa League could hopefully see a change of heart from the Newcastle manager, and Vuckic deployed in a more advanced role. http://youtu.be/kXLGmCFaP6U