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Newcastle United: How Kenedy can help the 4-3-3 formation succeed this season

By Roy Emanuel

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 20: Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez (l) reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium on January 20, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 20: Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez (l) reacts during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Newcastle United at Etihad Stadium on January 20, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United’s latest signing brings unique qualities.

Newcastle United and manager Rafa Benitez will need their attack to produce goals in the coming weeks, as the Premier League’s relegation battle will be fierce. The signing of Kenedy this week will help that objective, and may see different formations utilised soon as well.

Newcastle’s boss has normally chosen to work with some type of variation of the 4-4-2 shape throughout 2017-18, with the front-line changing a bit depending on which players are involved. For example, the two strikers will often become one forward and one attacking midfielder playing behind that number nine.

However, Kenedy’s arrival may see the 4-3-3 formation become a popular choice for the Geordie club moving ahead.

The Brazilian’s pace and skill on the ball can open up defences, and these attributes can greatly help the squad as they push for the crucial points that will keep them in the top flight.

Jacob Murphy has displayed his own talents as an effective winger for the Magpies, while Christian Atsu and Matt Ritchie have shown that they can be trusted higher up the pitch as well.

Benitez is sometimes derided as too negative and too conservative with his approach, but the Spanish tactician can certainly experiment a bit more with his strategies now.

A productive goalscorer still required

Ideally, Kenedy and another winger can stretch the opposing back-line and create opportunities in the final third. In order to be successful, a striker in good scoring form will need to emerge for United.

The likes of Joselu and Dwight Gayle have shown some promise, but are struggling for consistency. Names like Kevin Gameiro and Nicolai Jorgensen have been rumoured, but fans will have to be patient in that regard.

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Newcastle United and Rafa Benitez can count on Kenedy if they want to change their formation in upcoming matches. A prolific forward? That may take some more time, unfortunately.