Newcastle Toons
Fansided

Newcastle United will boast a top ten midfield next season

By Durim Halimi

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Mohamed Diame of Newcastle United is challenged by Paul Pogba of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St. James Park on February 11, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 11: Mohamed Diame of Newcastle United is challenged by Paul Pogba of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester United at St. James Park on February 11, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The depth Newcastle United enjoys in midfield will certainly make them a more competitive side next season.

Opening day for the 2018-19 Premier League campaign is only a few weeks away and Newcastle United are ready for action. Well, the Magpies still have some work to do in this transfer window, but its current players are ready to play.

Last season, it was quite evident that Newcastle’s defensive unit was among the best in the top flight. The back-line is young, but their strength, pace and athleticism makes them efficient and consistent.

In addition to the back-line, Newcastle fans should be excited about their midfield next season. Rafa Benitez has re-structured his midfield by consolidating youth with experience. What is more important is the fact that Benitez now enjoys great depth in the middle third of the pitch. This midfield will surely enable Newcastle to compete and will cause a wide range of problems for many opponents.

Top Ten Midfield

After facing adversity last season as the newly promoted side, Newcastle will look to use that experience to earn more positive results next season. While Newcastle’s defense will keep them in close matches, it will be the midfield that will earn the Magpies victories.

For now, one can assume that Newcastle will continue to run with the 4-2-3-1 formation. With that being said, the Magpies will most likely start Kenedy, Jonjo Shelvey, Ki Sung-yueng and Christian Atsu in midfield with Ayoze Perez running the number ten.

This midfield will be comprised of strength, pace and superior passing. When looking at the bench, Newcastle will have a good amount of depth next season. Mohamed Diame, Jacob Murphy and Isaac Hayden are all solid back-ups that could provide Newcastle with sufficient skills and energy off the bench.

Matt Ritchie is a top player for Newcastle and his work ethic is valued highly by Rafa Benitez. However, several reports are claiming that Ritchie is on his way out as he is linked to Stoke City. If Ritchie does depart Tyneside, Atsu and Murphy will have to step up their game on the wing.

If Newcastle’s midfield can continue their fine form and chemistry from last season, supporters will have plenty of reasons to smile. The first eight matches will be extremely difficult for Newcastle, but I expect the Magpies to settle down and earn results for a top ten finish.