Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa could turn out to be the coup of the January transfer window for Newcastle United. Already a full French international, Yanga-Mbiwa is a mightily impressive signing for the Magpies, and at £6.7 million, an absolute bargain. The Frenchman is a ball playing centre-back who uses his strength and speed to deal with anything that is thrown at him. Not to mention the fact that at just 23-years old, there is still room for improvement.
It’s been clear that Newcastle have needed a centre-back for a while now, and having failed to bring one in for the last few windows, it was imperative that action was taken this month.
Their defence has been struggling in recent months with doubts surrounding the future of Coloccini, Taylor having more injury problems, and Williamson quite simply not being good enough, all providing issues. Added to the fact that the club are languishing down in 16th, they couldn’t have picked a better time to bring in one of the top centre-backs in France.
With Coloccini’s future being resolved, for the time being anyway, Yanga-Mbiwa could complete a formidable partnership. With the additions of Mathieu Debuchy and Yanga-Mbiwa to the backline, Newcastle will begin to play from the back much more, rather than simply hoof the ball forward aimlessly.
Yanga-Mbiwa has a stunning record for a player just 23 years old. Having played over 200 games and captained Montpellier to an unlikely Ligue 1 success last season, it’s clear that Yanga-Mbiwa has experience beyond his years. His immense talent has been rewarded this season with him receiving his first 3 caps for the French National team, and these are surely the first of many.
Newcastle have a quality player, and leader, and this can only be seen as a huge positive, considering the situation the club currently find themselves in.
