Yoane Wissa's best position is now clear, Newcastle must build team around him as dazzling stats emerge
Matthias Jaissle must put his faith in Yoane Wissa at Newcastle after he played superbly in his latest DR Congo appearance.
Wissa struggled for form and fitness in his first season at St James' Park, bagging just three goals in 28 appearances for Newcastle.
He has shown better form at the start of his second campaign at the club under Jaissle, following a strong World Cup campaign with DR Congo.
The 30-year-old has been playing as a centre-forward and as a number 10 this season after Matias Fernandez-Pardo's summer arrival.
His latest international exploits show how Jaissle should be planning to start Wissa in the majority of games as the Magpies' central striker going forward.
Fernandez-Pardo, meanwhile, has flattered to deceive so far and is much less proven in the top flight of English football.
Yoane Wissa fired DR Congo to another victory with goal and assist
Wissa has notched two goal contributions in seven appearances for Newcastle so far this season.
He entered the international break on a run of four games without a goal or assist for Newcastle despite being trusted by Jaissle as an attacking midfielder.
The Magpies manager has been shown that Wissa is clearly better as a striker in the last few days, with the 30-year-old following up his goal against Equatorial Guinea with a standout showing against Zimbabwe on Monday.
Wissa netted the opener in the latest AFCON qualifier and also laid on an assist for Samuel Moutoussamy to make it 2-0.
He created another chance, had six shots on goal and hit the woodwork for his country, while taking seven touches in the Zimbabwe box, completing his one attempted successful dribble and winning three of five ground duels.
While the hosts' defence may not be on par with those in the PL, Wissa's impressive attacking performance should give him plenty of confidence to hit the goal trail when he returns to Newcastle next week.
It is plain to see that he deserves a proper run of starts as Newcastle's main striker, as that is where all his goals so far this season have come from.
Jaissle has praised Wissa's recent performances
Wissa increased concerns over his form among fans after his penalty was saved by Hull's Kostas Tzolakis in Newcastle's last game against Hull.
The 30-year-old looks likely to be backed by Jaissle going forward, however, even with Will Osula soon set to return to full fitness.
Jaissle shrugged off his mistake against the Tigers in a post-match interview, insisting that he had been impressed by Wissa's all-round showing.
He said: (Wissa) was playing on a high level today. Also sacrificed a lot, worked a lot out of possession for the team, and yeah, missing a penalty, that can happen, but he showed up personality also in the second half.”
The 30-year-old seems set to continue to be given chances, but it would make more sense for Jaissle to start him as a centre-forward rather than in midfield.