Newcastle United wonderkid puts Eddie Howe on notice after stunning performance
Newcastle United’s growing reputation as a talent incubator received another boost this week as new signing Antonio Cordero announced himself on the international stage with a dazzling display for Spain’s U19 side.
The 18-year-old winger, who snubbed Barcelona to join Newcastle, delivered a performance that may force Eddie Howe to reconsider his immediate plans for the teenage sensation.
Cordero’s creative masterclass against Denmark in Spain’s U19 European Championship opener showcased exactly why Newcastle fought to secure his services.
Stationed on both flanks during the 1-0 victory, the Malaga academy product orchestrated Spain’s attack with maturity beyond his years, crafting five key chances and maintaining an impressive 83% pass accuracy.
His technical assurance and tactical flexibility – switching seamlessly between left and right wing – offered a tantalizing glimpse of why Newcastle’s scouts identified him as a special talent.
Cordero’s Impact Against Denmark U19s
| Metric | Performance |
|---|---|
| Minutes Played | 89 |
| Successful Dribbles | 2/4 (50%) |
| Key Passes | 5 |
| Total Touches | 41 |
| Pass Accuracy | 20/24 (83%) |
| Set-Piece Duty | Primary taker |
The youngster’s display has sparked debate among Newcastle supporters, many drawing comparisons to former fan favorite Ayoze Perez – another Spanish attacker who blossomed on Tyneside before securing a £30 million move to Leicester.
Cordero’s ability to unlock defenses with incisive passing and clever movement suggests he could follow a similar trajectory, albeit with the potential for greater success given Newcastle’s current upward trajectory.
Howe now faces a genuine dilemma regarding Cordero’s immediate future. The original plan to loan him out for seasoning at a higher level than Spain’s second division now warrants reconsideration.
While destinations like Ajax or Bundesliga clubs would provide valuable experience, Cordero’s mature performance against elite raises questions about whether he might benefit more from integration into Newcastle’s first-team environment.
The winger’s versatility adds another layer to Howe’s decision-making process. In a squad that will face the grueling demands of Champions League football, having a player capable of covering both flanks could prove invaluable.
Cordero’s set-piece expertise – evidenced by his dead-ball responsibilities for Spain – offers another dimension Newcastle have occasionally lacked.
Newcastle’s recent success with young players provides compelling precedent for giving Cordero opportunities. The club’s faith in Lewis Miley last season yielded spectacular returns, while Tino Livramento’s development under Howe’s guidance earned him an England call-up.
With several senior players like Miguel Almirón potentially departing this summer, a pathway for Cordero might emerge sooner than anticipated.
As Spain’s U19 campaign progresses, Cordero has the perfect platform to strengthen his case for first-team consideration. Another standout performance could convince Howe that the teenager’s development might be better served at Benton Park rather than abroad.
In a summer where Financial Fair Play constraints will limit Newcastle’s spending, promoting from within could become an increasingly attractive option – especially when the internal option displays the precocious talent Cordero has already demonstrated.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Cordero’s European exploits have altered Newcastle’s plans, but one thing is certain: the Magpies have acquired a special talent whose immediate future just became far more interesting.
Whether he departs on loan or remains to learn directly from Howe’s coaching staff, Cordero’s Newcastle journey promises to be one of the most intriguing subplots of their season.