Matias Fernandez-Pardo possesses a distinctive attribute that has convinced Newcastle United of his potential to succeed in England’s top flight. According to his former mentor, Arnar Vidarsson, the young Belgian’s greatest weapon is his explosive pace.
"He is incredibly fast and powerful," Vidarsson told Sky Sports. "He can unleash a burst of energy that is almost unbelievable." Vidarsson, who oversaw Fernandez-Pardo’s development at Gent before the player’s transfer to Lille, draws a parallel between the 21‑year‑old and another Belgian talent who has already made a name for himself in the Premier League – Jeremy Doku.
"In many ways their profiles match," the Icelandic coach explained. "Both rely on raw power, blistering 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 exploding past them – is something Matias can replicate. Vidarsson highlighted how the winger can glide past an opponent within a metre or two, thanks to his explosive acceleration.
This ability to create separation in cramped areas is exactly the sort of skill set that modern English managers prize. Newcastle’s decision to shell out £51 million for the Belgium international was driven not only by his athleticism but also by his emerging goal‑scoring instincts. Over the past season, Fernandez‑Pardo has gradually shifted from a traditional wide man to a more central attacking role. "I think his most effective position is actually in the middle of the park," Vidarsson said.
"That’s where he netted the bulk of his goals and where Lille first noticed his potential while he was still at Gent." His rise was swift. After making his full‑league debut in March 2024, he featured in his final game for Lille in August of the same year. During that brief spell he recorded eight goals in just eleven appearances, prompting Lille’s head coach to experiment with him as a striker. The experiment paid off, and his goal tally surged, sparking interest from several clubs across Europe.
Vidarsson’s connection with Fernandez‑Pardo predates the youngster’s first‑team breakthrough. The Icelandic coach, now employed in FIFA’s coach‑development department, was responsible for talent identification at Gent and worked closely with the club’s reserve squad.
He recalls a quiet, family‑oriented boy whose father acted as his personal assistant, shuttling him to training and matches. "Matias didn’t speak much off the pitch, but once the whistle blew he became a different player," Vidarsson recalled. Initially, the Belgian featured as a wide‑out for Gent’s second team. Vidarsson admits that his decision‑making on the flank needed refinement.
"He would often run past a defender but then hesitate about whether to cut inside, cross, or stay wide – a dilemma that even Doku faced at Anderlecht," he noted. Those early growing pains are typical for a youngster transitioning from youth football to senior competition. The turning point arrived in early 2024 when Gent sold three of its attacking assets – Malick Fofana and Gift Orban to Lyon and Hugo Cuypers to Chicago Fire – creating a vacuum in the first‑team attack. "That opened the door for Matias," Vidarsson explained.
"He seized the opportunity, and his performances quickly earned him a move to Lille." At Lille, Fernandez‑Pardo adapted to a higher level of play and contributed significantly to the French club’s qualification for the UEFA Champions League. Despite that success, he expressed a desire to leave, perhaps hoping that regular Premier League exposure would accelerate his development more than another season in the Champions League might. Vidarsson cautions against expecting immediate fireworks on Tyneside. "Newcastle aren’t taking a gamble; they’re giving him a chance," he said diplomatically.
"He has the tools, but the Premier League is faster, more physical, and the tempo is relentless. I expect him to need at least one season to adjust before he can truly shine." There is speculation that Matthias Jaissle’s vertically‑oriented system at Newcastle could suit Fernandez‑Pardo better if he operates as one of two front‑line strikers rather than a conventional winger. Vidarsson argues that his speed thrives when he has space to exploit.
"On the wing you can be forced into a narrow channel, making you easier to mark. In a two‑striker setup, he can use his acceleration to stretch defenses and create openings for teammates." Internationally, Fernandez‑Pardo’s role with Belgium has been limited. He made only three substitute appearances at the World Cup, a disappointment that fueled his ambition to secure a move where he could play week in, week out. The prospect of regular Premier League football now appears to be the catalyst for his next career chapter.
For Newcastle supporters, the excitement lies not in viewing Fernandez‑Pardo as a finished product but in witnessing his evolution. He brings a rare combination of speed, power, and the instinct to beat defenders in tight spaces – qualities that are difficult to teach and highly coveted in modern football.
As Vidarsson summed up, "He possesses that special something clubs chase: raw speed, the ability to create something out of nothing, and the innate talent to thrive in small‑space situations. Those are gifts you’re born with, not learned." In summary, Matias Fernandez‑Pardo offers Newcastle a blend of explosive athleticism and a growing goal‑scoring pedigree. While he may need time to adapt to the rigors of English football, his ceiling appears high, and his journey from a quiet boy in Belgium to a promising Premier League prospect promises to be an intriguing storyline for the Magpies and their fans alike.