Newcastle United’s season has been one to forget so far, with their struggles showing no sign of easing. Their form has dipped dramatically, managing just three wins from ten games, a situation so dire that club legend Alan Shearer has bluntly described it as “rotten.”
While the Magpies have found some comfort in the Champions League, where they’ve shown flashes of their true potential, their domestic campaign tells a completely different story.
Without Alexander Isak leading the line and several senior players performing below expectations, Eddie Howe is facing growing pressure to find solutions fast.
Among those under the spotlight is Anthony Gordon. Once seen as Newcastle’s spark of creativity and energy, the England international has been inconsistent, his form a mirror of the team’s overall decline.
On the European stage, Gordon has shone brightly, scoring four times and looking at ease among the continent’s elite. His impressive showings have even earned him regular starts under Thomas Tuchel for the national team. But back home in the Premier League, his struggles have been clear for all to see.
Seven league appearances have produced no goals, no assists, and just two major chances created a far cry from the lively, unpredictable winger Newcastle fans saw last season.
His lack of contribution is starting to weigh heavily on the team’s attack, which feels stagnant and short of inspiration. The once dynamic winger now looks short on confidence, and with Newcastle’s attack misfiring, patience is wearing thin.
Howe has already shown a willingness to shake things up, giving academy talent Lewis Miley opportunities to prove himself in midfield. That same trust could soon extend to other rising stars in the club’s youth system players who are hungry, fearless, and eager to make an impression.
One of the brightest names in Newcastle’s academy right now is Sean Neave. The young forward has been unstoppable in Premier League 2, scoring an impressive 29 goals across various youth levels.
Despite his prolific record, he’s still waiting for a senior breakthrough. Another name on the rise is Alfie Harrison, once part of Manchester City’s academy setup.
At 19, he’s already contributed four assists this season and is developing into a creative force reminiscent of Gordon’s earlier days a tricky, confident winger who loves to take defenders on.
However, it’s 18-year-old Seung Soo-Park who is generating the most excitement at St. James’ Park. The South Korean prodigy, signed from Suwon Bluewings earlier this year, has been turning heads with his electric pace and fearless dribbling.
Already dubbed “the Korean Mbappe” by Asian football expert John Duerden, Park’s ability to glide past defenders and create chances out of nothing has fans and coaches buzzing with anticipation.
Before joining Newcastle, Park had already made history as the youngest player ever to feature in Korea’s professional leagues.
During his brief spell with Suwon, he recorded a goal and two assists, earning praise from his former manager Byun Sung-hwan, who said the youngster had “the ability to go to the very top.” That assessment seems increasingly accurate as Park continues to adapt to English football.
During pre-season, he made an impression against Espanyol, completing three of his four dribbles in a lively 63-minute display that had journalist Charlie Bennett calling him a “real find.”
Since then, Park has quietly built momentum in the youth setup, providing two assists already this season. His growing influence behind the scenes has not gone unnoticed by Howe, who is reportedly considering giving him a chance in the senior squad.
Meanwhile, Gordon’s struggles have continued. His performance against West Ham was particularly disappointing no goals, no assists, and not a single successful dribble.
He was substituted at half-time, a decision that spoke volumes about his current form. Bennett later commented that Gordon was “not undroppable,” hinting that Howe might soon be forced to look elsewhere for inspiration.
With Anthony Elanga also struggling to make an impact since his £55 million move, Newcastle’s wide options suddenly look uncertain. That could open the door for Park to make his senior debut sooner rather than later.
His explosive speed, technical skill, and fearless attacking instincts make him a genuine contender to shake up the first-team hierarchy.
For now, Gordon still wears the iconic number 10 shirt, but that status is no longer guaranteed. If Park continues to impress and develop at his current rate, it may only be a matter of time before he’s ready to step into the spotlight.
The comparison to Kylian Mbappe might seem lofty, but the young South Korean has already shown flashes of brilliance that suggest he’s destined for big things. Newcastle’s future could soon belong to him a bold, exciting talent ready to write his own story and perhaps take that number 10 shirt for himself.
