Romain Amalfitano: How Newcastle United Can Get the Best out of New Signing

Back in May, Newcastle United made French midfielder Romain Amalfitano their first signing of the summer transfer window.

Coming in on a Bosman free transfer from Reims, Amalfitano will be part of the "French revolution" on Tyneside, as he joins 10 other French or French-speaking players in the squad.

Having played in Ligue 2 for the past two seasons, Amalfitano is a relatively unknown player. But, based on the success of some of Newcastle's recent signings, there's a chance he could have quite an impact next season.

With Cheik Tiote and Yohan Cabaye ahead of him in central midfield, Amalfitano's chances of starting in the league are limited, but there are still ways in which Alan Pardew can get the best out of his new signing.

Firstly, the preseason should be utilized by giving Amalfitano a lot of playing time, as Cabaye is returning from the European Championships and isn't in as dear need of preseason football as the other players.

Doing so will give Pardew a chance to see just how ready the young star is for the challenge the Premier League will present. It will also give Amalfitano a chance to build chemistry with his new teammates.

So far Pardew has done this, starting Amalfitano in Newcastle's first two preseason games against Chemnitzer and Monaco.

Amalfitano should be given the chance to compete with Dan Gosling for the backup midfield role in the absence of Danny Guthrie, who has signed with Reading.

Gosling was unimpressive last season and Newcastle could really use a replacement for Guthrie, who did a lot for Newcastle off the bench.

In January, star midfielder Cheik Tiote will likely be off to the African Cup of Nations, at which point that third midfielder role becomes very important.

If he proves himself, Amalfitano will be asked to start for around five games, at a point in the season that could dictate whether or not the Magpies eventually qualify for Europe.

Speaking of Europe, Pardew should also look to play Amalfitano as often as possible in the early stages of the Europa League, along with Newcastle's other young prospects, like Sammy Ameobi and Shane Ferguson.

Amalfitano may be a bit more comfortable in European action than he will be being thrust into the Premier League, so he should definitely see the field more there early in his Newcastle career.

At only 22 years of age, and with a lot of talent ahead of him in the pecking order, Amalfitano's role at Newcastle is not going to be huge next season. But, he'll provide the sort of depth that's needed for the Magpies to improve on last season.