Teenage sensation Sam Alabi is very pleased with the progress he is making at Newcastle United.
The 16-year-old hit another milestone in his young career on Tuesday night, starting for Newcastle United Under-21s in their Vertu Trophy clash with Harrogate Town.
It was a great opportunity for Newcastle United’s academy stars, as they went toe-to-toe with a senior League Two side. Unfortunately, their trip to North Yorkshire ended in a 3-1 defeat.
Alfie Harrison had drawn the young Magpies level with a smart strike before half-time, only for Harrogate to score twice without reply after the break.
While it was a disappointing result, it was a great experience for Sam Alabi.
Sam Alabi playing in the UEFA Youth League for Newcastle United.
Photo by Harriet Massey/Newcastle United via Getty Images
First-team exposure helping Newcastle United academy star Sam Alabi
To play for the Under-21s at the age of 16 says a lot about Alabi. What says even more about him is that he has already trained with the Newcastle United senior squad under Eddie Howe.
That experience has played a key part in the youngster’s development, with Alabi telling the club’s official website how training with the first-team prepared him for his first Under-21s start.
“This is another milestone in my career so far,” he said.
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“I’ve achieved many good things during my time at Newcastle so this was another; a very good opportunity and learning curve.
“I think I’m growing in confidence as I play each game for the under-21s. I came on against Mansfield Town, nearly scoring in the game but then scoring a penalty in the shootout which gave me more belief.
“As I went into the Harrogate game, I didn’t feel any nerves. I was ready to go and I’m pleased. I’m very determined to try and play more matches with the under-21s. I’m still 16 years old but I don’t think that’s an issue. If you’re feeling good, then you’re good and you play.
“I’ve had experience in training with the first-team so that opportunity gives me the mentality and to think I can play in these types of games.”
Sam Alabi trained with Newcastle United first-team at 15
Newcastle United fans have high hopes for Alabi, who joined the club from Oldham Athletic in 2023.
The midfielder has made great strides in a short space of time, while he has even had the chance to rub shoulders with the club’s senior stars.
Those opportunities have aided Alabi’s development, and the fact he was given those opportunities says a lot about how he is viewed internally at Newcastle United.
In fact, Alabi trained with Newcastle’s first-team at 15-years-old. That is a ridiculous achievement when you consider he would have been working alongside Italy and Brazil internationals Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.
He is certainly one for the future at St James’ Park.