Newcastle United are silencing their critics one by one

Crisis? What crisis?

Newcastle United were dubbed “a club in crisis”, with many in the media trying and failing to create a negative atmosphere around the club. Before Newcastle had even kicked a ball this season, pundits and journalists alike had already written Rafael Benitez’s side off.

Countless so-called experts had Newcastle as sure favourites to be relegated at the end of this campaign. Meanwhile, Rafa Benitez and Newcastle United have quietly gone about their business and now sit in fourth place. It is still very early days, but the signs are Newcastle will be just fine this season.

In a way, it is a good thing that a lot of the media had written Newcastle off so early (and continue to do so).

The players feed off it, eager to prove the critics and doubters wrong. The Magpies have now won three in a row, after impressive displays against West Ham, Swansea and Stoke.

Mikel Merino – A midfield gem

After Jonjo Shelvey’s needless red card in the opening game against Tottenham, it presented a huge chance for Mikel Merino to stake his claim. The Spaniard has certainly done just that, and he has grabbed his chance with both hands.

Merino has been a key player in Newcastle’s three-game winning run. The former Osasuna man was also impressive in Newcastle’s defeat against Huddersfield Town.

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Up until Merino’s arrival, Newcastle had failed to replace Yohan Cabaye, who left the club in January of 2014. Jonjo Shelvey has a fantastic range of passing, but he sometimes gets lost in games and lacks discipline.

Merino makes Newcastle tick – he doesn’t go hiding in games and is a consistent performer.

The midfielder looks like an absolute bargain and could well turn out to be one of the buys of the summer. Jonjo Shelvey now has his work cut out to regain his place in the starting line-up.

Jamaal Lascelles – A real leader

Jamaal Lascelles emerged as a leader with his outspoken views towards the end of the 2015-16 season. Rafael Benitez handed the defender the captain’s armband in the Championship last term, a big responsibility for any young player.

Lascelles proved a lot of people wrong last season and he has continued in the same vein in the Premier League.

The players are a close bunch, and Lascelles is at the heart of that. It is the first time for many years that a Newcastle side have had this much mental toughness and a sense of unity.

The Newcastle captain is not afraid to speak his mind when things aren’t going to plan. Lascelles is certainly the right man to lead this Newcastle side.

What Newcastle may lack in quality, they make up for in effort and commitment

There was a lot of talk in pre-season that Newcastle lacked the quality to survive in the Premier League. However, when you have a set of players that fight for each other and are determined to succeed, it makes a huge difference.

For too long, Newcastle had players that simply did not care about the club or the fans. Too many players used this great club as a stepping stone. Benitez has put a stop to that and it’s showing on the pitch.

Next: Newcastle's Rob Elliot deserves his starting role

It is still early days, but there is no reason why Newcastle United cannot finish comfortably away from danger this season.