Matias Fernandez-Pardo possesses a rare attribute that has convinced Newcastle United that he can thrive in England’s top flight: sheer explosiveness. His former mentor, Arnar Vidarsson, told Sky Sports that the 21‑year‑old Belgian is "very fast, very explosive" and carries "unbelievable power" in his runs.
Vidarsson, who oversaw Fernandez‑Pardo’s development at Gent before the player moved to Lille, draws a direct comparison with another Belgian winger who has already made a name for himself in the Premier League – Jeremy Doku. "Their profiles are similar," the Icelandic coach explained. "Both have the power, the speed and the knack for beating a defender in a very tight space without needing a lot of room." That signature Doku move – slowing a defender down before bursting forward – is something Matias can replicate.
Vidarsson highlighted how the youngster can glide past an opponent in just a metre or two, thanks to his explosive acceleration. Newcastle’s willingness to shell out £51 million for the Belgium international stems not only from his pace but also from his growing goal‑scoring instincts. Over the past season he has morphed from a traditional wide player into a more central attacking threat. "In my view his best position is as a centre‑forward," Vidarsson said.
"That’s where he netted most of his goals and why Lille began to use him there after his breakthrough at Gent." The transition was rapid. Fernandez‑Pardo made his full‑league debut in March 2024 and, after a short spell, had already chalked up eight goals in eleven appearances by August. The coach at Lille shifted him into a striker role, noting that the decision paid dividends as the youngster’s scoring rate surged.
That spell of form attracted interest from several clubs and ultimately led to his summer move to England. Vidarsson’s connection with the player predates his first‑team breakthrough. The Icelandic coach, now a FIFA development specialist, was responsible for talent management at Gent and worked closely with the club’s reserve side.
He recalls a quiet boy with a strong family backing, especially a father who acted as his personal assistant, driving him to training and looking after his needs. "Matias didn’t talk much off the pitch, but once the ball was at his feet he came alive," Vidarsson recalled. In Gent’s second team, Fernandez‑Pardo initially operated as a wide midfielder.
His decision‑making on the flank was inconsistent – a trait Vidarsson says he also observed in Doku during his early Anderlecht days. "He would sprint past defenders but wasn’t always sure whether to cut inside, stay wide, or deliver a cross," Vidarsson explained.
"Sometimes his work‑rate for the team wasn’t as high as it could have been." Those growing pains, however, were largely a product of playing below his level. Vidarsson believes the young forward was itching for senior football and that the departure of three key attackers from Gent in early 2024 – Malick Fofana, Gift Orban and Hugo Cuypers – opened a doorway for Matias. "When those players left, space opened up for him," the coach said.
"He seized the opportunity and proved he belonged at the top level." After a promising first season in Ligue 1, Fernandez‑Pardo played a pivotal role in Lille’s qualification for the Champions League. Yet, despite the allure of European nights, he opted for a move to Newcastle, a decision that surprised some observers who felt a season in the continental competition would have further accelerated his development. Vidarsson urges patience from the Tyneside faithful.
"They’re not taking a gamble; they’re giving him a chance," he said diplomatically. "He has the tools, but he will need a season to adapt to the Premier League’s speed and intensity." The tactical setup at Newcastle under Matthias Jaissle could be ideal for Fernandez‑Pardo. Jaissle’s vertical, high‑pressing style often employs two strikers, a configuration Vidarsson believes would suit Matias better than a conventional wing role. "On the wing he can be funneled into one direction, making him easier to mark," Vidarsson noted.
"As one of two forwards, his speed can be used to stretch defenses and create space for teammates." Even though his World Cup involvement was limited to three substitute appearances for Belgium, the experience highlighted his hunger for regular top‑level action. Frustrated by limited minutes, Fernandez‑Pardo pushed for a move that would grant him the platform he craved – the Premier League. Newcastle supporters have plenty to be excited about. The player is not a finished product, but that unfinished nature is precisely what makes him intriguing.
He possesses a natural, almost instinctive ability to accelerate past defenders in tight quarters – a skill that many clubs chase but few can naturally produce. In summary, Matias Fernandez‑Pardo brings a blend of raw pace, power, and a developing eye for goal. While he still needs to refine his decision‑making and adapt to the physical demands of English football, his explosive talent offers Newcastle a player capable of delivering moments of brilliance and, with the right guidance, evolving into a Premier League star.