Newcastle United: Yoan Gouffran – The Workhorse

As four players were announced to be departing, Newcastle United is working to extend Yoan Gouffran’s contract.

It is of little surprise to me that Rafa Benitez wants to keep Yoan Gouffran at Newcastle next season.

Newcastle United fans were caught by surprise when the club revealed Yoan Gouffran is set to be handed a new deal. While the Frenchman may not be the most flashiest of players, one thing that cannot be denied is his work rate. He is exactly the kind of player that Rafa Benitez loves, always giving 100%.

In a club statement, manager Rafael Benitez stated:

“Yoan Gouffran has been an equally committed and dedicated team-player for this club, as well as a hugely popular member of the squad. “I can confirm we are in early stage discussions now with Yoan’s agent to see if there might be a solution that could work for both the player and the club which may see Yoan extend his service to Newcastle United, but we will know more in the coming days”.

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Though Yoan has plenty of critics, he has improved dramatically under Benitez. The midfielder has regained his confidence, after a torrid time under Steve McClaren. Whether fans agree or not with this decision, Benitez is building a squad capable of staying out of danger next season. However, there will be plenty of fans with the view that the club could find a better replacement for Gouffran.

Gouffran made 33 appearances for Newcastle in all competitions this season. The midfielder chipped in with five goals and three assists throughout the season. His statistics do not jump out as being overly impressive. However, the statistics do not tell the whole story – Gouffran never stops running, he helps out defensively as well as providing an attacking threat. The Frenchman can be played up front if needed, he gives Benitez an extra option.

It is important that Newcastle have strength in depth in the Premier League. The club cannot afford to make the same mistakes of previous seasons. Under the management of McClaren and Pardew, Newcastle were lacking in depth. That was one of the key reasons why the club struggled in the Premier League. If a player picked up an injury, the club were forced to play an inexperienced youngster or play a player out of position. Rafael Benitez is determined not to make the same mistake this time around.

Yoan Gouffran provides Premier League experience, in a season where that will prove to be so vital. The Frenchman’s potential new contract, by no means guarantees him a place in the starting eleven next season. Benitez, sees Gouffran as a player he can trust to put in a shift when things get tough. There are not many players with Gouffran’s work rate, he will be a very useful player next season.

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It is clear that Rafael Benitez not only wants quality players, but the right characters at the club. Yoan Gouffran fits that bill, the Frenchman is hungry to succeed on Tyneside. Gouffran is a very popular member of the squad. I have absolutely no doubt that the midfielder will continue to improve, under the guidance of Rafael Benitez. Gouffran’s transformation under the Spaniard has been astonishing. Gouffran looked like he had no future at the club, when Benitez first took charge. However, the Frenchman is now an important part of the Newcastle side.

It looks set to be a busy summer at St James’ Park, with players coming and going. Newcastle fans are intrigued to see how the magpies will set up, come the first day of the season.