Newcastle Toons
Fansided

2017-18 Newcastle United player review: Isaac Hayden

By Carson A Merk

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 15: Isaac Hayden of Newcastle United (14) celebrates as he scores their first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Newcastle United at St Mary's Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 15: Isaac Hayden of Newcastle United (14) celebrates as he scores their first goal during the Premier League match between Southampton and Newcastle United at St Mary's Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Isaac Hayden wasn’t a crucial player, but he was steady when called upon for Newcastle United.

With Jonjo Shelvey and Mohamed Diame dominating the midfield, Isaac Hayden struggled to crack the starting lineup for most of the season.

2017-18 stats: 26 appearances, one goal, 23 interceptions

Contract runs until: June 2021

Roy Emanuel

While he did not get as many minutes as others, the 2017-18 season was a positive one for Isaac Hayden. The defensive midfielder was a constant second-half substitute choice for manager Rafa Benitez and scored a fantastic goal against Southampton in October. He can still play a significant role in the team, and Hayden has shown that he can be a reliable option.

2018-19 outlook: Quality rotation player

Durim Halimi

Isaac Hayden is young and has plenty of room for growth. The defensive midfielder showed that he has the quality to play in the Premier League, but lacks sufficient skills to oust Jonjo Shelvey or Mohamed Diame from their starting roles. Hayden must work on his strength and decision-making if he wishes to have a meaningful impact for Newcastle United. Rafa Benitez is also known for developing players and lifting their confidence, which is exactly what Hayden needs at the moment.

2018-19 outlook: Quality rotation player

Carson A. Merk

There are much worse things to be in soccer than a quality substitute or depth player. Hayden is a well-rounded, hard-working midfielder that is stuck behind two players that were in better form. The 23-year-old does well to win the ball in the middle of the park and will want to work on being better at turning defense into offense. If Jonjo Shelvey or Mo Diame miss a match, I have no concerns about Hayden being a detriment in the starting lineup.

2018-19 outlook: Quality rotation player

Next: NUFC should pass on Skrtel

Declan Ryan

Hayden has emerged as one of Benitez’s favourites this season, but unfortunately for the ex-Arsenal youngster, this has often been in a substitute role rather than in the starting eleven. The issue for the 23-year-old is that he is a one-dimensional player, as, despite a fantastic tackling ability and a tireless work rate, he is a limited option in midfield because of his limitations going forward. He started 15 Premier League matches last season and featured 11 more times off the bench, and with Diame getting older, Benitez will once again need Hayden to contribute in a rotation role next season, with hopefully improved production.

2018-19 outlook: Quality rotation player