Matheos Ferreira is targeting a standout first full campaign with Newcastle United’s Under-21 side following an impressive breakthrough year.
The promising wide player turned heads for the club’s Under-18 team by netting three times in an FA Youth Cup victory over Portsmouth, before adding four goals in seven outings for Robbie Stockdale’s development squad as the previous season drew to a close.
Ferreira dedicated himself to improvement during the off-season and demonstrated his potential when finding the net in impressive fashion during Newcastle’s opening summer friendly at Spennymoor Town.
After beginning their competitive schedule with a National League Cup loss away to Tamworth midweek, attention now turns to Monday evening’s Premier League 2 curtain-raiser when Tottenham visit Whitley Park, before Fulham make the trip north seven days after.
Speaking about the upcoming clash with Spurs, Ferreira expressed his enthusiasm for the campaign ahead while highlighting the specific aspect of his game he focused on during pre-season training.
He mentioned his desire to maintain momentum, influence matches, and discover what the future holds. He looks forward to each training session and match, with the aim of developing as much as possible throughout the season. He has been honing certain elements in training, and competing against more physical adult sides has proven particularly beneficial. While challenging, he has not felt out of his depth.
He has particularly concentrated on strengthening his left foot, positioning himself effectively in and around the penalty area, and creating more opportunities for teammates by making improved choices in attacking positions.
Joelinton and Matheos Ferreira during a training session
The talented wideman gained valuable exposure with Newcastle’s senior squad during pre-season, entering the game as a substitute during a friendly draw against local rivals Gateshead and subsequently featuring in the defeat to Championship side Bristol City shortly afterward.
The promising youngster reflected on his early experiences among the club’s senior professionals, acknowledging that the taste of first-team football had left him craving additional opportunities.
He described the experience of joining the senior group for the Gateshead and Bristol City fixtures as valuable, noting that the Bristol City match presented one of the largest audiences he had ever performed before. He stated that such experiences simply fuel the desire for further involvement.