Newcastle United are often labeled as a Championship side in the Top Flight. Can some of their players start for other Premier League clubs?
Heading into the ninth week of Premier League action, Newcastle United are still one of three winless teams in the Top Flight. With a performance record of zero wins, two draws and three losses, supporters and pundits are beginning to realize that Newcastle did overachieve last term.
A major reason for this slow start is the lack of investment from Mike Ashley during the summer transfer window. The Magpies did manage to bring in seven new faces this summer, but the majority of them were brought in to provide more depth on the bench. As a result, Newcastle’s starting eleven has remained largely unchanged from the 2017-18 campaign.
With that being said, can Newcastle’s most regular starters make the cut to start for other teams in the Premier League? Let us take a look and decide who has sufficient Top Flight quality and who belongs in a less competitive league.
Goalkeeper
Martin Dubravka – The Slovakian keeper has the awareness and athleticism to start for most Premier League clubs outside the standard top six. Worth only £4 million, Newcastle stole this gem.
Defenders
DeAndre Yedlin – The American international has the pace to close in on defenders and lead a counter-attack from the back. His marking can be questionable at times, but he could start for most bottom-half sides.
Jamaal Lascelles – Newcastle’s captain was strongly considered for a spot on England’s roster for a reason. He is a vocal leader in the back who plays aggressive football and wins aerial battles. Lascelles has the skills to start for most clubs in the Premier League, including some in the top six.
Federico Fernandez – Fernandez has done well to fill the void of Florian Lejeune’s injury. He is experienced and always makes timely tackles to get Newcastle out of trouble. He could start for several clubs in the Premier League.
Paul Dummett – The Welshman on Tyneside has always been a reliable defender for Rafa Benitez. He hardly makes mistakes in the back, but he also hesitates to go beyond his role. Dummett could start for most bottom-half clubs.
Midfielders
Jonjo Shelvey – Shelvey is one of the best passers in England. The mercurial midfielder is always looking to spread the field and he can influence matches. Shelvey could make the cut on almost every team in the league and he could start for most clubs.
Mohamed Diame – Diame gets playing time at Newcastle due to the lack of depth in the roster. He does well in recovering the ball and he works hard, but he can only really start for clubs facing relegation.
Matt Ritchie – The Scottish international is one of the most underrated players in the league. He does not score much, but he is a superior dribbler and is accurate with his crosses. He could start for some mid-table clubs.
Ayoze Perez -The young Spaniard has shown that he can score goals for Newcastle, but he is also an inconsistent player. With more investment, Benitez would gladly replace Perez with a new number ten. Perez could only start for relegation candidates.
Kenedy – the Brazilian speedster has, in most matches since last season, shined with Newcastle. He possesses great speed, is a superior dribbler and he can create his own shots. Kenedy could certainly start for most mid-table clubs in the Top Flight.
Striker
Joselu – Joselu is known for working hard and not giving up on plays, but the Spaniard is not a Premier League player. I can see some relegation candidates giving him a chance due to his height and ability to hold the ball, but any team would be lucky to get four or five goals out of him.