Newcastle United invested over £100m in new signings last summer, but the returns were limited until the World Cup provided a breakthrough. Anthony Elanga and Yoane Wissa, two of the club's expensive acquisitions, delivered performances that echoed their previous form at Nottingham Forest and Brentford respectively.

Elanga scored twice for Sweden at the World Cup, including a dramatic goal against Japan after coming on when his team trailed 4-0. The 24-year-old's pace consistently troubled defenses at St James' Park, though he struggled to adapt to Newcastle's system initially. Former teammate Emil Krafth believes Elanga has the mentality to succeed.

Wissa netted DR Congo's first ever World Cup goal against Portugal and scored twice in a man-of-the-match performance against Uzbekistan. The 29-year-old admitted he didn't show his best face at Newcastle but credited the World Cup for restoring confidence. Both players faced disrupted pre-seasons and adaptation challenges.

Anthony Gordon's successful second-season adaptation offers precedent for what Elanga and Wissa might achieve. Newcastle will need these signings to deliver if they want to challenge for European places next season.