I need to start with this; I was never a big Yoan Gouffran fan.
To me, he always was a man without a true position, who never lacked effort, but didn’t add anything else. To be fair, I wasn’t counting on him anymore, but I wasn’t the only one.
After a season where he made so few appearances, and the ones he did make, he played completely out of position as a defensive midfielder, the writing looked to be on the wall.
Gouffran wasn’t in Rafa Benitez plans and any decent offer would be enough to take him off of Newcastle’s books.
Some reports suggested he had at least one offer to return to France, but obviously no club wanted to match his Newcastle’s wages, and nothing materialized.
Then, the season begun and everything changed…
Youngster Rolando Aarons, who had his contract renewed, was touted to take up the role on the left of midfield after a strong finish of the 2015/16 season. However, yet again, he struggled with an injury. Gouffran took his opportunity to play and never looked back. After a series of good matches, some beautiful goals and his usual top notch work rate, the Frenchman was able to earn the trust of Rafa Benitez and become a regular on the Magpies’ team sheet every single match.
Gouffran deserves all the credit in the world, the odds were against him and it’s very difficult for a player to earn back his spot on a team after being told that he is allowed to leave. He clearly worked hard in the preseason and is, at the moment, the fittest Newcastle player. It’s a huge demonstration of his character and I’m sure it was noticed by his boss.
This version of Yoan Gouffran is every coach’s dream. He’s a powerful player, with pace and huge work rate. He’s able to go into the box and finish well and also has the stamina to help get back time after time to help defend.
The difference in his game from the last couple of seasons is easy to see. A clear case of a lad who worked really hard to be at the best shape of his life and is being rewarded for it. It’s impossible for any coach to not find a role for a player like that. he’s just too prepared to help any way he can, and Rafa’s a smart man and is taking advantage of it.
Also, this type of player is very respected by teammates, it’s called “leed by example” and makes the coaches job easier on training days.
Yoan Gouffran still has his deficiencies. He isn’t a true left midfielder or left winger and he’s not the most technically gifted player in the squad, but this Yoan Gouffran is a player who always will have a place in Rafa Benitez’s squad, because he can count on him week in and week out.
You will not find any coach in the world who wouldn’t love to have this type of positive presence in the locker room and on the field. He’s just too consistent to be left out of the team, and both Newcastle and Benitez are blessed to still have him at the club.
Hats off for you mister Gouffran, you deserve it.
