Key Points
- Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle praised Yoane Wissa for performing an “amazing job” playing as a number ten behind the striker.
- Jaissle highlighted Wissa’s multi-positional versatility, emphasizing that he brings an extra tactical element to the team.
- Wissa partnered effectively with Will Osula during the opening game of the season against Liverpool before Osula picked up an injury.
- Following Osula’s injury and the subsequent arrival of Matias Fernandez-Pardo, Jaissle left open the possibility of future tactical combinations through the middle.
- While Wissa has netted once for Newcastle this term, he has maintained strong goalscoring form for DR Congo during international fixtures.
Newcastle (Newcastle Times) October 9, 2026 — Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle has expressed high praise for forward Yoane Wissa, highlighting the player’s adaptability and impact in a deeper attacking role.
How is Yoane Wissa performing in the number ten role for Newcastle United?
As reported by Lee Ryder of Chronicle Live, Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle has commended Yoane Wissa for doing an “amazing job” operating as a number ten positioned directly behind the main striker. The German tactician noted that Wissa possesses the tactical flexibility to excel across multiple positions, which injects vital fluidity into the Magpies’ tactical framework.
Elaborating on Wissa’s tactical profile, Jaissle stated as reported by Chronicle Live:
“He can play multiple positions. He feels really comfortable also playing behind the striker. He’s bringing another element into the team then. So I don’t want to stick and predict now his future position because I also want to have the open cards. But he’s doing an amazing job on the 10 behind the striker.”
During Newcastle United’s opening match of the campaign against Liverpool, Wissa delivered a stellar display while partnering alongside Will Osula in an effective attacking configuration. However, Osula suffered an injury during that fixture, which sidelined him and led the club to secure the signing of Matias Fernandez-Pardo.
When questioned by journalists whether Osula and Wissa would resume their partnership once the former returns to full fitness, Jaissle maintained a measured stance. As covered by Chronicle Live, Jaissle remarked that they “could be” reunited, while also noting that there “could be also another couple” of squad members capable of linking up with Wissa through central areas.
This tactical flexibility creates a compelling selection dilemma for the coaching staff regarding how best to maximize Wissa’s creative output alongside his eye for goal. Although the DR Congo international has found the net once for Newcastle this season, he has continued to display sharp goalscoring form on the international stage, finding the back of the net for his country during both World Cup qualifiers and recent international windows.
Furthermore, following a penalty miss in a fixture against Hull City, Jaissle publicly defended his forward’s resilience. As reported by Chronicle Live journalist Lee Ryder, Jaissle emphasized Wissa’s high work ethic, stating:
“Missing penalties can happen. But he showed up and showed personality in the second half.”
Background of the Development
The tactical evolution of Yoane Wissa into a hybrid attacking midfielder and secondary striker stems from Newcastle United’s broader roster adjustments under Matthias Jaissle. Following the departure of certain key figures and early-season injuries to frontline options like Will Osula, Jaissle has actively sought modular tactical solutions. Wissa, known historically as an out-and-out striker or wide forward, has demonstrated a willingness to absorb defensive responsibilities out of possession while anchoring attacks from deeper zones. This adaptation has allowed Newcastle to maintain tactical unpredictability, successfully integrating new signings such as Matias Fernandez-Pardo while accommodating a congested domestic and international fixture schedule.
Prediction on How This Development Can Affect the Club and Supporters
For Newcastle United supporters and the wider squad, Jaissle’s willingness to deploy Wissa in a versatile number ten role offers long-term tactical depth. As the team navigates demanding Premier League and cup fixtures, having an experienced attacker who can seamlessly transition between leading the line and orchestrating play from midfield reduces the team’s vulnerability to injuries. For the fans, this fluidity promises a more dynamic, unpredictable attacking style that can break down low-block defenses. However, it also places considerable pressure on Wissa to maintain consistent clinical efficiency in front of goal, as supporters look to him to shoulder key scoring responsibilities alongside his creative duties.
