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Bruce is failing to maximize this Newcastle United duo

By Carson A Merk

Newcastle United's Steve Bruce (R) and his Assistant Stephen Agnew (L). (Photo by Nick Potts / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by NICK POTTS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Newcastle United's Steve Bruce (R) and his Assistant Stephen Agnew (L). (Photo by Nick Potts / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by NICK POTTS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Steve Bruce is not getting the best out of these two Newcastle United players.

Despite Newcastle United playing well in a win vs. Burnley, Steve Bruce continued to misuse, or not use, two of his key players. Miguel Almiron was an unused substitute and Jeff Hendrick was playing out of position on the right wing.

With Bruce sticking with a 4-4-2 set-up, he eliminates the chance for Almiron to start as the number ten. That is his best position and where he’s had his best days for the Magpies. Now, he’s stuck with cup appearances or stints off the bench.

On the right wing, where Almiron has played for Newcastle in the past, Hendrick struggles to make an impact. Simply put, Hendrick is a central midfielder, not a winger. It’s not surprising that Bruce wants to make sure he’s getting regular minutes, but to play him out of position doesn’t benefit the club or the player.

While Joelinton has been improved, Almiron is a proven gamechanger for the club and if the formation/tactics are altered to get one of them in the lineup, it should be slanted to Miggy.

At worst, it might make sense to slide Hendrick into the role as the number ten and play Almiron out wide right. Then, you have Hendrick and Almiron, both quality players, in the lineup. Also, Hendrick wouldn’t be stuck on an island on the right side.

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With the additions of Callum Wilson, Hendrick, and Ryan Fraser, Bruce will need to continue to work through the process of determining the best tactics for his club. As he tries to make that determination, he will need to do better to maximize Almiron and Hendrick.