Rafa Benitez must integrate new signings into the lineup
By Durim Halimi
Newcastle United signed seven players this summer, but they have not been utilized much in the first two matches.
Newcastle United have played in two Premier League matches thus far in the season – a loss to Tottenham and a draw against Cardiff City. Several familiar faces were on the pitch in both matches as some new Magpies are yet to make their debuts for the club.
Aside from Martin Dubravka and Kenedy, only two truly “new” signings have made limited debuts for Newcastle – Salomon Rondon and Yoshinori Muto. Rondon played for 30 minutes against Tottenham while Muto came on as a substitute in both matches this season.
Going forward, Rafa Benitez must find a way to quickly integrate Newcastle’s new signings into the lineup and into the rotation. The Magpies managed to secure some quality players at bargain prices, and supporters want to see them in action.
Salomon Rondon
Seeing Joselu start up top for two straight matches was frustrating for most opponents. Joselu’s poor form last season is a primary reason why Salomon Rondon was Benitez’s main target this summer. Rondon was impressive in his debut as he won duels for 50/50 balls and struck the bar in search of an equalizer. The Venezuelan frontman must start the next several matches for Newcastle.
Yoshinori Muto
Like Rondon, Muto is also seen as an upgrade to Joselu and he has played well in his two appearances for Newcastle. Muto has not had much time to create scoring opportunities for himself as a late substitute, but he has put his pace and high energy on display. Muto is also worthy of being a starter alongside Rondon in a 4-4-2 formation or even replacing Ayoze Perez in the 4-2-3-1 formation that Benitez so often deploys.
Ki Sung-yueng
Newcastle’s new defensive midfielder is yet to make his official debut for the Magpies in league play, but I think that will change next weekend. Mohamed Diame was decent against Tottenham, but was one of the worst players against Cardiff City.
That poor performance should trigger Benitez to give Ki Sung-yueng a chance to play alongside Jonjo Shelvey for the next few matches.
Fabian Schar
Like Ki Sung-yueng, Fabian Schar has not made his official debut for Newcastle this season. Benitez has decided to play Ciaran Clark over Schar, and then the Spaniard even played Isaac Hayden in defense ahead of Schar.
The Swiss international has great pace and football intelligence. Schar has sufficient skill to play in England, but he must be given a chance. In my honest opinion, Schar is the most talented defender on the entire roster.
Federico Fernandez
The former Swansea City defender joined the Magpies on transfer deadline day and he brings with him extensive experience. Of all the new signings, Fernandez is not likely to see much action as the competition in defense is very high. However, Fernandez would be a great rotation player to see on the field in the near future.