Newcastle’s Yoane Wissa gives Matthias Jaissle attacking options

Newcastle head coach Matthias Jaissle says Yoane Wissa’s ability to play in several attacking positions is providing the club with valuable flexibility before Monday’s trip to Coventry City.

The DR Congo international has made a positive start to the season after a difficult first campaign at St James’ Park, registering one goal and one assist in Newcastle’s opening five Premier League matches.

Wissa played behind Will Osula and created a goal in the 2-2 draw with Liverpool before moving into a more advanced position when Osula went off with a foot injury. He then scored in Newcastle’s 2-0 win against Tottenham.

Jaissle has been impressed by the 29-year-old’s performances as a number 10, but does not want to define him by one particular role.

“He can play multiple positions. He feels really comfortable also playing behind the striker. He’s bringing another element into the team then,” Jaissle said.

“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 as a 10 behind the striker.”

Wissa also carried his club form into international football during the latest break, scoring once and setting up another goal as DR Congo beat Zimbabwe 2-1 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

He had previously scored three times at the World Cup, helping DR Congo reach the knockout stages.

His involvement against Coventry could be influenced by Osula’s return. The forward has resumed training and is available for consideration ahead of Monday’s match, having formed an effective partnership with Wissa against Liverpool.

Jaissle now has several combinations to assess in attack, with Matias Fernandez-Pardo also providing another option.

Fernandez-Pardo joined Newcastle from Lille for a reported 51 million pounds on transfer deadline day. However, he is still adapting to his new club after arriving without having completed a pre-season with his new team-mates.

Wissa’s capacity to operate both behind the striker and further forward gives Jaissle an alternative way to use him, while Osula’s return offers the Newcastle manager another attacking selection.