It is no secret that Bazoumana Toure’s Newcastle United career hasn’t exactly got off to a blistering start but, thus far, it hasn’t been anything to worry about.
He’s a young player learning a new culture in a brand new country and Matthias Jaissle has already reassured us that it is just a case of being patient before he gets his chance.
Whilst this international break first seemed like a negative thing for Toure’s ability to become a permanent fixture in the German’s plans, mainly because it marked a three week period not training with his Newcastle teammates, his goal yesterday may well have shifted that outlook.
So could this break actually have aided Toure for when he returns to the club?
A little bit of confidence?
Naturally, not playing regular football at Newcastle United won’t have helped Toure’s confidence.
The Ivorian is a player who thrives in 1v1 situations, taking on his man and playing with pace and directness. That is the sort of style that only thrives when the belief is there.
A couple of goals for the Magpies in his limited minutes will have gone a long way to help that and his goal for his country is yet another moment that will only strengthen the confidence he has in his own ability.
And perhaps that is exactly what Toure needed.
By no means am I suggesting that he will waltz back into the building and immediately displace Harvey Barnes when he returns to Tyneside, nor will he be expected to do so based on scoring one international goal.
But if Toure can come back and show Jaissle a new level of hunger and determination after the time away with his country, this international break could prove a greater asset to his development than it first appeared.
What does Toure need to do?
Going by what Jaissle said about Toure, the Ivorian just simply needs to keep showing up and proving he understands what Jaissle wants of him every day.
Harvey Barnes has been putting up some very solid goalscoring numbers so far, which is what has probably afforded Toure less chances than we maybe expected.
But, with three goals now under his belt in three different contexts and competitions, it doesn’t feel like it will be too long before Jaissle has to start giving Toure more than a few minutes here, with the winger already appearing to be one of the more potent attacking options.
There has been talk among the fanbase that Toure should be given a shot on the right-wing instead of Jacob Murphy with Elanga injured.
Whether that turns out to be the way that the 20-year-old manages to force his way into the starting XI or not is yet to be seen, but if Toure keeps on showing the assets that he has done so far this season, alongside really learning his responsibilities, there is no doubt we will be seeing a lot more of him no matter where it is on the pitch.
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