Our series of Premier League team previews continues with a look at one of last season’s strugglers, Newcastle United.
Summer transfers
Newcastle have opted for quality over quantity this window, bringing in three new arrivals for a combined £36 million. Georginio Wijnaldum has arrived from PSV Eindhoven, joining striker Aleksandr Mitrovic and defender Chancel Mbemba, who were teammates at Anderlecht in the Belgian League. Mitrovic, being a striker, will be the signing that excites most Newcastle fans. The 20-year-old has previously stated that he supported Newcastle as a child and will be eager to prove himself to the fans. Leaving St James’ Park have been Ryan Taylor, who has joined Championship club Hull City, and final day hero Jonas Gutierrez, who was controversially released over the phone along with Taylor. Sammy Ameobi and Adam Armstrong are on loan to Cardiff City and Coventry City respectively.
Last Season
The Magpies had a season to forget in 2014-15. Alan Pardew left for Crystal Palace in January with the club sitting mid-table and in no immediate danger of relegation. From there began a disastrous run under caretaker manager John Carver, where they won two games in 18 which included eight consecutive losses. This put Newcastle on the brink of relegation where their Premier League status was still unsure going into the final day. Newcastle ultimately survived after beating West Ham, which was their first win in 11 attempts and whilst the initial feeling amongst the fans was relief, an inquest then followed as to why they found themselves in this situation, which eventually cost Carver the permanent job – much to the delight of the Newcastle fans.
Manager
There is a new main man at the helm on Tyneside. Former Middlesbrough, England, FC Twente and Derby County (to name a few) manager Steve McClaren has been trusted to lead the Magpies into a new era. McClaren has been quick to stamp his authority on the Newcastle squad, banning mobile phones from the training ground and changing rooms, as well as swearing, citing the disciplinary problems that hindered the Magpies last season. As for the playing style we can expect, McClaren has said he wants to ‘bring back ‘The Entertainers”. The affectionate name was given to Newcastle in the 1990s when they played attractive football and were challenging at the right end of the table. With new signings coming in, the pressure will be on McClaren to perform in the league and a long cup run is also expected.
Strengths
When one thinks about what has gone on at St James’ Park over the last few years, it can be difficult to find a strength in the squad, but on paper their midfield looks reasonably strong. Siem De Jong, Moussa Sissoko and Jack Colback are difficult opponents when on form, and with Wijnaldum added to the squad, their midfield can only improve. Nineteen-year-old winger Rolando Aarons is also a player who has shown glimpses of quality and can get the fans excited with his threatening runs down the wing. Forgotten man Cheick Tiote can also provide much needed grit in the middle of the pitch.
Weaknesses
The lack of depth in the Newcastle squad in all departments is alarming. At most Premier League clubs, Emmanuel Riviere would find himself struggling to make the bench but at Newcastle he found himself getting a spot on the bench at least and also got an extended run in the starting XI during Papiss Cisse’s seven-game suspension. The lack of depth is most evident in the defensive areas. Fabricio Coloccini and Chancel Mbemba are expected to form a reasonably strong defensive partnership, but if one of the two get injured or suspended, the inexperienced Jamaal Lascelles, under-performing Mike Williamson or Steven Taylor will be called upon. A worrying prospect considering Newcastle’s defensive frailties over the years.
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Key Player
When Mike Ashley spends £14.5 million for your services, you know that you are an exceptional player. Wijnaldum has made a name for himself playing in the No. 10 role just behind the striker but he is equally as capable of being a box-to-box midfielder. The 24-year-old will be carrying a big workload for the Magpies. After being named Dutch Footballer of the Year last season, leading PSV to the Eredivisie title, scoring on 14 occasions, and completing 84.5% of his passes, Steve McClaren will need Wijnaldum to make a quick transition to the Premier League to help lead Newcastle back up the table. Expect Wijnaldum to light up St James’ Park in his maiden season in the Premier League.
Best XI
(4-3-1-2): Krul; Janmaat, Mbemba, Coloccini, Haidara; Sissoko, Wijnaldum, Colback; De Jong; Perez, Mitrovic.
Prediction
If Newcastle are to move forward this season, first and foremost a lift in work rate is required. They need to look at the way they played in that last game of the season against West Ham. They played with passion, purpose and desire, unlike the majority of the season. Without Carver calling the shots from the dugout, expect Newcastle to stay clear of the relegation battle this time around. They have made some handy acquisitions this Summer, but with some of the dead wood still remaining, their progression may be minimal. It is hard to see them finishing in the top half so an 11th place finish seems probable.
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