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Newcastle United meet Sunderland in derby match and Victor Fernandez can’t wait

6 years ago
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Victor Fernandez is hoping to face Sunderland for the first time.

Newcastle playing Sunderland in the quarter-finals of the Premier League International Cup on Wednesday night.

The game is being played at the Stadium of Light (7pm kick-off), so it should be a good experience for Newcastle’s young stars.

The Premier League International Cup is for reserve sides from England and others from mainland Europe, though all matches are played in England.

The 19 year old Spaniard is yet to experience a derby match in the north east, yet another example of the decay under Mike Ashley.

Sunderland play in Premier League 2 Division 1, which is the top division for reserve sides, whilst Newcastle are second bottom of Premier League 2 Division 2.

With Newcastle reserves playing at a lower level, it has meant no derby matches since 2014.

Victor Fernandez joined the Magpies from Cornella last season and was one of a sizeable number of young players brought in from around the world by Rafa Benitez, to strengthen the age groups below the first team.

However, that process appears to have dried up, with no repeat of major recruitment/strengthening with young  players this season, for whatever reason.

The more big competitive matches that young players play, can only be good for their development, so good luck to Newcastle’s young stars as they look to reach the semi-finals tomorrow night, whilst at the same time winning a rare derby game.

Victor Fernandez talking to official Newcastle United site:

“It would be the first time I have played against Sunderland, and I know about the rivalry that Newcastle and Sunderland have.

It will be a tough game…all the lads say that it’s going to be a big game, so we must win.

“These games against Sunderland are so big and the fans know all about the rivalry.

“It will be an extra thing for us and it would be a great game to play in.

“All the games make you feel excited but of course if you know there is such a rivalry between the teams it is an extra motivation to play.

“You always have to train hard in training and make sure your individual performances in games are good, so I hope I can be in the starting team on Wednesday.

“Since I came I think I am getting used to English football more and more because it is different to Spanish football.

“Now I think I’m getting used to it, people tackle you and you have to pass the ball quickly.

“I feel OK and I have got a couple of assists. I am happy but I would like to score more goals.

“We have played against teams from around the world, big teams, and it will be very nice to win it. But it will be very hard, because there is some very good teams in it also.

“We are still together – we still have things to win.”

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