Newcastle United have made an excellent start to the new Premier League season under manager Matthias Jaissle. What makes their performances even more impressive is the fact that many expected the Magpies to struggle badly before the campaign began.
With key players such as Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães departing, alongside the exit of long-serving manager Eddie Howe, Newcastle appeared to be heading into a period of uncertainty. Some even suggested they could become relegation candidates.
Instead, Newcastle have shocked their doubters. They were extremely unlucky not to beat Liverpool in their opening league fixture before producing a sensational performance against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend. The emphatic victory over Spurs was a major statement.
And one player has arguably benefited more than anyone from the new era: Yoane Wissa.
Yoane Wissa's Disastrous First Season at Newcastle
Wissa's first season at Newcastle could hardly have gone worse.
Signed from Brentford for a significant transfer fee, Wissa arrived with considerable expectations. He was brought in as part of Newcastle's plans to replace Alexander Isak, along with Nick Woltemade, who had departed for Liverpool for a British-record transfer fee at the time.
However, injuries completely disrupted Wissa's campaign. When he did play, he struggled to reproduce the performances that had made him such an effective attacker at Brentford.
His situation became increasingly difficult under Howe, with the manager seemingly reluctant to give him regular opportunities. Wissa eventually finished the season with just one goal and one assist in 19 appearances.
For a player signed for such a substantial fee, those numbers were disastrous.
It appeared Newcastle had another expensive transfer flop on their hands.
Then came the World Cup.
Wissa Rediscovers His Confidence
Representing Congo, Wissa suddenly looked like a completely different footballer.
He looked fit, sharp and, most importantly, confident. Wissa scored three goals in four games, providing a reminder of the attacking ability that Newcastle had seen during his time at Brentford.
The tournament appeared to give him the perfect opportunity to put his difficult Newcastle campaign behind him.
That confidence has now carried into the new Premier League season.
Wissa has been one of Newcastle's most impressive players during their opening fixtures. He provided an assist against Liverpool before scoring against Tottenham, meaning he already has one goal and one assist from his first two Premier League appearances.
Remarkably, he has already matched his entire goal contribution from his disastrous debut campaign.
The biggest question now is whether he can stay fit.
Wissa Has Already Shown He Can Score 20 Goals
Newcastle's faith in Wissa was never completely irrational.
His final season at Brentford demonstrated precisely why the Magpies were willing to invest heavily in him. Wissa scored 19 goals and provided four assists in 35 appearances, finishing the campaign with an impressive 23 goal contributions.
Those numbers were particularly impressive because he was not always Brentford's primary attacking outlet. Much of the attention naturally went towards Bryan Mbeumo, yet Wissa still managed to produce numbers comparable to those of many leading Premier League forwards.
His role at Newcastle could now be even more important.
With Isak gone, Wissa has greater responsibility within the attack. He is no longer simply another option in the forward line; he could become the focal point of Newcastle's goalscoring threat.
If Jaissle can get the best out of him, Wissa has the qualities to become one of the Premier League's most dangerous forwards.
Can Wissa Take Newcastle Back to the Champions League?
Newcastle's lack of European football this season could become a major advantage.
While other teams competing for the top four will have to balance domestic fixtures with demanding European schedules, Newcastle can concentrate heavily on the Premier League.
That gives Jaissle an opportunity to build consistency while allowing Wissa to focus entirely on becoming Newcastle's primary attacking weapon.
If he can remain healthy and maintain his current form, a 20-goal Premier League season is not an unrealistic target.
And that could completely change Newcastle's ambitions.
A prolific Wissa would give Newcastle the goals they need to compete with the established Premier League giants. His movement, pace and finishing could also make him particularly effective in Jaissle's attacking system.
The Champions League remains an ambitious target, but it is certainly not beyond Newcastle if their current trajectory continues.
From Transfer Flop to Newcastle Hero?
The most fascinating part of Wissa's story is how quickly perceptions can change.
Just months ago, his Newcastle career appeared to be heading towards failure. Injuries, limited opportunities and poor statistics had left many questioning whether the club had made a major mistake.
Now, Wissa is showing signs of becoming the player Newcastle originally believed they were signing.
His performances for Congo offered the first indication of his revival. His opening two Premier League matches have provided further evidence.
If he stays fit, receives consistent service and continues playing with the confidence he currently possesses, Wissa could become the difference-maker in Newcastle's European pursuit.
The Champions League may still be a difficult objective, but Newcastle have already shown that they should not be underestimated.
And if the Magpies really are about to turn from relegation outsiders into European contenders, Yoane Wissa could be at the heart of that remarkable transformation.
