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2018-19 Newcastle United player evaluation: Mo Diame

By Carson A Merk

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 26: Mohamed Diame of Newcastle United celebrates following his sides victory in the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Newcastle United at Turf Moor on November 26, 2018 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 26: Mohamed Diame of Newcastle United celebrates following his sides victory in the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Newcastle United at Turf Moor on November 26, 2018 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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Mighty Mo had another up-and-down season for Newcastle United in 2018-19.

For the early stages of his Newcastle United career, Mohamed Diame was a disappointment. That includes the beginning of the 2017-18 season. Then, he excelled down the stretch and found his way back into the good graces of the Toon Army. But, an inconsistent 2018-19 season ends with Mo out of contract next week. Did he do enough to earn a new deal on Tyneside? We make our determinations.

2018-19 Premier League stats: 29 appearances, 60% tackle success, zero goals, zero assists 

Durim Halimi

Mohamed Diame had a limited impact for Newcastle United all season. Diame’s defensive work rate was one of the highest on the roster and his statistics reflect that, but his offensive contribution was minimal. The 31-year-old failed to score and he did not provide any assists for his teammates from the middle of the park.

The resurgence of Isaac Hayden and the unexpected rise of Sean Longstaff did limit Diame’s playing time, but he could have played better when given more playing time, especially when Longstaff was ruled out for the remainder of the season. Diame boasts great strength and has great defensive vision, but Newcastle United need a midfielder who is willing to get involved in most attacks. In my opinion, it is time for the Magpies to let Diame go.

2019-20 NUFC outlook: Let Him Walk

Carson A. Merk

The second half of the 2017-18 season seems like such an outlier when it comes to Mohamed Diame’s time with NUFC. He was decent at best for much of this season, consistently working hard but not having much success to show for it. While a defensive presence is needed in the midfield, at least the threat of getting forward and decent athleticism is a pre-requisite for any Premier League midfielder.

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I would be shocked if he gets a new contract from Newcastle United. He is definitely past his prime and with younger, more talented options in the midfield, Diame should be a free transfer for someone this summer. The writing was pretty much on the wall when the club did not get him the final start to activate an automatic one-year extension.

2019-20 NUFC outlook: Let Him Walk