Newcastle United should utilize this preseason to experiment with their roster ahead of league play.
Newcastle United have been criticized by supporters and pundits for their lack of activity during this transfer window. The Magpies have completed three signings thus far, however, the primary objective of bringing in a striker remains unfulfilled.
Rafa Benitez recently stated that he wishes to add four or five new players to the roster. While that is a normal expectation for a manager to have, only three weeks remain in the transfer window and it took Mike Ashley two months to spill money on three players.
With that being said, Benitez needs an alternative plan of action to keep his side competitive in the Premier League. One of these alternative plans does not require the arrival of new talent, but rather re-structuring the current roster.
Newcastle is in possession of some talented individuals who could possibly play dual roles for the club. Below is a list of players and the new roles they should be tested in this preseason.
Ayoze Perez
- Current Position: Attacking Midfielder
- Proposed Position: Striker
Ayoze Perez is a perfect candidate for trying a new role in Newcastle’s offense. Perez’s versatility enables him to adapt to any situation and he finds ways to contribute to the attack. As the club’s leading scorer last season, it only makes sense to give Perez an audition at the striker position.
If Newcastle continue to struggle in their effort to sign Salomon Rondon, the likelihood of any striker coming to Tyneside is slim to none. The current attacking core – Dwight Gayle and Joselu – lack the finishing skills that Perez possesses.
Benitez should not hesitate to give Perez an opportunity to lead the front-line. Perez managed to score eight goals from midfield last season and he could increase that tally by four or five as the main striker.
Dwight Gayle
- Current Position: Striker
- Proposed Position: Attacking Midfielder
Dwight Gayle has several attributes that many strikers lack, but Gayle lacks what most strikers need to be successful – precision. Gayle found himself in golden opportunities to score for Newcastle, but he wasted too many chances. As a result of his poor finishing, Gayle only netted six goals for Newcastle in the 2017-18 campaign.
Gayle did not score much last season, but he did impress with his passing. As the main striker, Gayle was able to complete 433 passes and claimed a tally of three assists. Moreover, Gayle might play better as an attacking midfielder as there would be less pressure to score.
Another key trait worth mentioning is Gayle’s movement off the ball. Proper positioning is necessary to be successful as an attacking midfielder. Gayle’s field vision is strong and that is why he was able to take 57 shots last season.
Matt Ritchie
- Current Position: Winger
- Proposed Position: Central Midfielder
Matt Ritchie has been linked with a move to Stoke City for weeks now, but for now let us focus on moving his position within Newcastle’s midfield. In all honesty, Ritchie is a reliable winger who provides pace and superior passing for Newcastle down the right flank.
However, the club has so much depth in midfield that it would not hurt to test the Scottish international alongside Jonjo Shelvey. If it ends up being a good combination, Jacob Murphy or Christian Atsu can take over on the wing opposite Kenedy.
Combining Ritchie with Shelvey would give Newcastle two high-energy midfielders who have a pass-first mentality. Moreover, Ritchie could do more damage in the sense of scoring from the center than he can on from the wing. Mohamed Diame is great at recovering the ball, but Ritchie would be more efficient in orchestrating an attack.