Fernandez-Pardo, Godts and Fofana under pressure: they must act

Matias Fernandez-Pardo, Mika Godts and Malick Fofana, the three young Belgian players of the 2005 generation, are struggling to break through since their XXL transfers totalling €135 million, with zero goals and only one assist, and their coaches are stressing the need to step up.

The three players were purchased for considerable sums: €60 million for Matias Fernandez-Pardo at Newcastle, €45 million for Mika Godts at Paris Saint‑Germain and €30 million for Malick Fofana at Sunderland, a total of €135 million. Their arrival was presented as an XXL investment for the English clubs. Yet their current performances amount to an XS shirt, with no goals scored and only one assist.

Simon Hamoir, foreign football specialist for Sports Football Red Devils, reminded that these three “M” of the 2005 generation are supposed to shine on both “L” of the pitch, but their debuts remain below expectations.

Coaches' Pressure

Matthias Jaissle, Newcastle’s coach, explained that “young players experiencing the Premier League for the first time need an adaptation period,” referring to the former Lille man Matias Fernandez-Pardo. After two months of patience, he believes the trio must urgently accelerate their development.

At Paris Saint‑Germain, Mika Godts has long been stuck behind players such as Désiré Doué, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Ousmane Dembélé and Maghnes Akliouche. The recent double injury – an anterior cruciate ligament rupture for Kvaratskhelia and a left‑leg thigh injury for Dembélé – during the match against FC Barcelona opened a spot on the bench, where Godts was present for the last three games without playing.

Opportunities and Injuries

Luis Enrique, PSG’s coach, reminded that Godts was recruited “for the long term,” emphasizing the urgency for the young Belgian to prove he can emulate Bradley Barcola or Désiré Doué, who also needed an acclimatization period before taking off.

Régis Le Bris, Malick Fofana’s coach, said after the international break: “I like him when he is on the left wing. He is very calm on the ball, very courageous, capable of creating chances, crossing and combining effectively.” Despite these qualities, the Belgian has still not scored a goal.

Matias Fernandez-Pardo’s coach at Newcastle added: “Matias applies the principles on the pitch and creates chances. He simply lacks the goal to regain his confidence.” He remains convinced that the player will regain a very good level and “reap the rewards” from the wing or the front line of the Magpies. Fernandez-Pardo’s nickname, often shortened to Fernandez, is well known among the supporters.

Outlook and Expectations

In short, the Red Devils expect Fernandez-Pardo, Godts and Fofana to turn their promises into concrete performances, under the close watch of their respective coaches, before the clubs’ patience runs out.

Supporters hope that the Magpies and Sunderland will soon see their young talents score.