Newcastle United: Analyzing the new signings after five matches
By Durim Halimi
Newcastle United completed seven signings this summer, but how have they played to start the 2018-19 campaign?
With an unclear and unpredictable budget this summer, it is a pleasant surprise knowing that Newcastle United managed to bring in seven new players. These players may not be the most ideal options for manager Rafa Benitez, but they have sufficient quality to play in the Premier League.
After five matches of Premier League action in the books, Newcastle are struggling as a collective unit after only claiming one point from a possible 15 to start the 2018-19 Premier League campaign. Despite the collective struggle, let us take a look at how these new faces have played in the early weeks of the season for Newcastle.
Martin Dubravka
The Slovakian international keeper was impressive as a loanee last term, but he is yet to show his true colors this season. After five matches, Martin Dubravka has conceded a total of eight goals and teams have been averaging 1.6 goals per match with him in goal. To his defense, however, it is unfair to blame Dubravka for all eight goals.
Newcastle’s back-line has been mediocre and this has left Dubravka exposed on several occasions. Despite all this, Dubravka is still the best option between the posts and he has made some key saves to prevent teams from thumping the Magpies.
Kenedy
Like Dubravka, Kenedy was also a pleasant surprise last season and he quickly became a fan favorite as a result of his quick feet and superior dribbling. This season, however, has seen Kenedy experience a drop in form. From missing a key penalty against Cardiff City to his lack of energy in other matches, Kenedy is now at risk of losing his starting job to Jacob Murphy. In other words, Kenedy must prove himself to Benitez and show that his poor run of form is temporary.
Federico Fernandez
Federico Fernandez was Newcastle’s final signing of the summer. Originally thought of as a player who could provide good depth, Fernandez is proving that he can be a reliable starter alongside Jamaal Lascelles. He may not be a flashy player, but he is intelligent and he has shown that over the past few weeks with his timely tackles, dedication to winning duels and through his vocal guidance on the back-line. Fernandez could very well be an unexpected steal of the summer.
Ki Sung-yueng
Ki Sung-yueng was praised by Benitez this summer and the Spaniard will expect the South Korean captain to fight for his spot next to Jonjo Shelvey in midfield. Sung-yueng has been paired up with Mohamed Diame a few times this season, but it is evident that they cannot be effective together.
The South Korean midfielder has shown that he is not afraid to get forward and contribute to the attack, and this is an area in which Diame does not excel. Sung-yueng has been decent thus far, but he can improve with more time next to Shelvey.
Salomon Rondon
Salomon Rondon has the potential to become a great striker at Newcastle United, but Benitez has not played the Venezuelan frontman enough for him to show his skills. Due to Newcastle’s defensive approach against elite clubs, it has been difficult for Rondon to create proper scoring opportunities on a consistent basis.
His performance against Tottenham generated optimism among the Toon Army and his brilliant assist to DeAndre Yedlin against Manchester City shows how effective he can be in the penalty area. Rondon is, without a doubt, the best striking option on Tyneside and Benitez needs to start him regularly.
Fabian Schar
Fabian Schar was regarded as one of the best players signed at a bargain price this summer. The Swiss international defender is yet to live up to the hype, but he is gradually adjusting to English football. Newcastle could have stolen a point from Chelsea, but an ill-advised tackle in the box from Schar gifted the Blues with a penalty and the lead.
It is normal for players to make mistakes, but Benitez has high expectations for Schar to perform at an elite level in the Premier League. It will still take Schar some time to show progress, but he has added solid depth to the rotation.
Yoshinori Muto
Yoshinori Muto is Newcastle’s most expensive signing of the summer (£9 million), but he has not played like a player who is worthy of that transfer fee. Muto has seen the field more than Rondon, but has not been productive in terms of scoring. The Japanese striker never lacks energy and showcases his quickness running through passing lanes, but it has been difficult for him to create scoring opportunities.
A key reason for this is that Benitez plays Muto out of position. Muto is used to being a number nine striker, but Benitez plays him as an attacking midfielder behind the striker. Seeing how fast Muto is, this tactic makes sense, but it is evident that Muto needs Shelvey behind him and Rondon either in front or by his side.