Yasin Ben El-Mhanni has shown improvement in both starts for the first team, and is on his way to no longer being just a prospect.
We’ve all seen Yasin Ben El-Mhanni’s YouTube videos, heard the stories about him showing mega star Neymar how to emulate his skill moves. His creativity with the ball at his feet, and natural ability, is eye catching. As a soccer fan, if you watch just one of those skills videos, you will surely not be able to resist clicking another. But, not all viral internet stars can’t back it up in real live action in their respective sports.
Toon Army hadn’t had the opportunity to see the prodigy with the first team until Rafa Benitez gave Yasin, Dan Barlaser, and Stuart Findlay all starts against Birmingham City in the FA Cup third round replay. NUFC won that match 3-1, advancing in the FA Cup, and surely allowing those youngsters another chance.
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That next chance came yesterday against Oxford United of League One. Again, El-Mhanni and Barlaser were in the starting XI. After being solid, but possibly a bit nervous in the Birmingham City match, Yasin appeared to play with more confidence yesterday. He did not appear to be out of his league, and he showed flashes of what supporters are excited to see. Granted, it was against a League One side, and they did lose 3-0, but it was another step. For Yasin, each step is moving him closer to being a possible first team selection, and further away from just being a hyped prodigy.
Now that the FA Cup is done for the season, first team chances are going to be hard to come by for the 21 year old. The club is battling for promotion, but at least supporters can go into the future with confidence that Yasin Ben El-Mhanni can be a contributor to their club’s success. Hopefully sooner than later.