Matias Fernandez‑Pardo possesses a rare attribute that convinced Newcastle United that he could flourish in England’s top flight: raw explosiveness. His former mentor, Arnar Vidarsson, told Sky Sports that the 21‑year‑old Belgian is "very explosive, very fast" and that he carries an "unbelievable power" in his runs. Vidarsson, who oversaw Fernandez‑Pardo’s development at Gent before the player’s transfer to Lille, immediately drew a parallel with another Belgian winger who has made a name for himself in the Premier League – Jeremy Doku.
Both players share a similar profile: a blend of blistering speed, physical strength and the knack for beating defenders in tight spaces without needing a lot of room to operate. The hallmark of Doku’s game is his ability to lull a defender into a false sense of security with a brief slowdown, then explode past them in an instant.
Vidarsson believes Fernandez‑Pardo mirrors that trait. "Matias can get past an opponent in just one or two metres because of his explosiveness," he explained. This quality, combined with his pace, makes him a constant threat on the flanks and a player who can change the tempo of an attack in a heartbeat. Newcastle’s willingness to part with £51 million for the young international reflects the belief that his skill set translates into goal‑scoring potential as well.
Over the past season, Fernandez‑Pardo has evolved from a traditional winger into more of a forward, often operating centrally where he seems most lethal. Vidarsson noted, "In my opinion his best position is central. That’s where he scored most of his goals and how Lille spotted his talent during his final season at Gent." The transformation was swift: after making his full league debut in March 2024, he accumulated eight goals in just eleven appearances before moving on in August.
Initially deployed on the wing, the Lille coach shifted him into a striker role after noticing his prolific finishing. "The coach started to use him as a striker. Before that he was always on the wing.
It was a good decision because Matias started to score a lot," Vidarsson recalled. That period of central play sparked interest from several clubs, ultimately culminating in the Newcastle move.
Vidarsson’s connection with Fernandez‑Pardo predates the player’s breakthrough. The Icelandic coach, now part of FIFA’s coach‑development programme, managed talent at Gent and worked closely with the club’s reserve side. He remembers a quiet teenager, heavily supported by his family, especially his father, who acted as his personal assistant, driving him to training and looking after his well‑being. "Matias didn’t talk much, but he came alive on the pitch," Vidarsson said.
During his time with Gent’s second team, Fernandez‑Pardo was primarily a wide player still learning the nuances of decision‑making. Vidarsson admitted that his early choices on the flank were inconsistent – a trait he likened to Doku’s early days at Anderlecht.
"He would go past people but didn’t always know when to cross, cut inside, or stay wide. Sometimes he lacked the mentality to run for the team," the coach observed. However, he emphasized that these were growing‑pains typical of a young talent who had outgrown the reserve level and was eager for first‑team minutes.
The turning point arrived in early 2024 when Gent sold three key attackers – Malick Fofana and Gift Orban to Lyon, and Hugo Cuypers to Chicago Fire – freeing up space for the 21‑year‑old to step into the spotlight. Vidarsson explained, "That opened the door for Matias to play regularly, and the rest is history." After a promising debut season at Lille, where he helped the club secure a Champions League berth, the forward opted for a new challenge in the English Premier League. Some observers expressed surprise at Fernandez‑Pardo’s decision to leave a club competing in Europe, suggesting that continued Champions League exposure might have accelerated his development.
Vidarsson, however, urged patience, noting that Newcastle are not taking a gamble but rather offering a platform for the player to prove himself. "He has the potential, but I believe he will need a season to adapt before he can truly shine in the Premier League. Everything there is faster, more intense, and the tempo is higher," he warned.
Tactically, there is speculation that Matthias Jaissle’s vertical style at Newcastle could suit Fernandez‑Pardo, especially if he is deployed as one of two central strikers rather than a conventional winger. "Because of his speed, he needs space. On the wing you can direct him in one direction and he becomes easier to mark," Vidarsson argued. A central role would allow him to exploit his acceleration and physicality while providing the freedom to drift wide when needed.
Fernandez‑Pardo’s limited involvement in the recent World Cup – just three substitute appearances for Belgium – left him yearning for more regular international action. Frustrated by the lack of opportunities, he pushed for a move that would grant him the exposure and challenge he craves, ultimately landing at Newcastle. For the Magpies’ faithful, there is genuine excitement surrounding the signing.
The player is not a finished product, but his innate explosiveness, speed and ability to create chances in cramped areas are attributes that are difficult to teach. As Vidarsson summed up, "What he has is that special thing many clubs look for in modern football: speed, the ability to beat people in small spaces. Those qualities are born, not manufactured." In summary, Matias Fernandez‑Pardo arrives at Newcastle as a high‑potential, physically gifted attacker who has already demonstrated an eye for goal and the capacity to adapt to different positions.
While a period of adjustment is expected, his blend of power, pace and instinctive finishing gives the club a player capable of delivering moments of brilliance and, over time, becoming a key figure in their Premier League ambitions.