Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has already showcased his willingness to look towards the youth ranks during his time at St James' Park, with promising playmaker Elliot Anderson seemingly the most notable success story of recent times.

For all the importance of continuing to push for silverware and a Champions League berth, it may also seemingly be in the club's long-term plan to keep promoting exciting youngsters from the academy, with that approach likely to help the Tynesiders save millions on possible new recruits.

One such asset who is seemingly destined to make the step-up in the near future is 20-year-old starlet Matthew Bondswell, with the "highly rated" left-back (as per journalist Sarah Clapson) having been involved in Howe's pre-season plans.

Although that has yet to lead to a competitive Magpies debut at first-team level, the former RB Leipzig gem - who was previously on the books at Nottingham Forest - has no doubt caught the eye of late, having previously been described as "outstanding" by Kieran Trippier.

The Nottingham native - who failed to feature while on loan at Shrewsbury Town last season - has sparkled in Newcastle's youth setup so far this term with one assist from his 12 outings across all fronts, having initially signed for the Tyneside club in 2021.

The Magpies could seemingly have a real gem on their hands if they are to put faith in Bondswell any time soon, with the former England U18 international having previously been likened to Real Madrid star David Alaba, due to his 'God-given athleticism, cultured left foot and ... malleability', as per the official Bundesliga website.

The pair are also alike due to their ability to feature in a variety of roles, including centre-back or central midfield. That bodes well for the impact that Bondswell could make in Howe's side at St James' Park.

To be compared to the Austria international is high praise indeed, with Alaba having enjoyed a lengthy and glittering career at the elite level, previously racking up 431 appearances during his spell at Bayern Munich, where he won 27 trophies.

Now at the Bernabeu, the versatile 30-year-old - who also has 98 caps for his country - has already scored five goals and provided seven assists in 70 games in all competitions for the La Liga giants, having previously been lauded as "one of the best in the world" by former Bayern team-mate Joshua Kimmich.

To potentially have their own version of the experienced rock is no doubt a mouthwatering thought as far as Newcastle are concerned, with Bondswell perhaps able to stake his claim for a more prominent role in Howe's squad in the years to come.