Newcastle United: The easy decision Bruce is complicating

Newcastle United are yet to field their best lineup, but will they ever?

Newcastle United have been experimental with their lineups and tactics through the first four games of the season. Despite all these changes, the Magpies are in the top ten with seven points.

Callum Wilson has played a major role in this early success with four goals and an assist, and Allan Saint-Maximin has also started looking like his old, dynamic self.

What fans are frustrated about is the lack of game time for Miguel Almiron and Ryan Fraser. Almiron played more than any outfield player last season, but he has been demoted to a rotational role this term.

Fraser has been fighting to prove that he is fully fit after going months without competitive football. Based on what we have seen in the league and Carabao Cup, though, it is safe to say that Fraser has not missed a beat and is ready to go.

Yes, Newcastle United are getting results without them, but not in impressive fashion. Long-term success and consistency will only come when Fraser replaces Joelinton on the wing opposite of Allan Saint-Maximin, and Almiron sets up shop in the number ten role.

Joelinton’s work rate has improved, but just because a player tries hard does not mean he should be starting over more talented players. Throw Fraser out wide and boost the team’s offensive efficiency.

Playing Fraser will also make the Toon’s attack less predictable as the current strategy is to feed the ball to Saint-Maximin and hope he can orchestrate something meaningful. Joelinton has good strength, but defenders know he is not a coordinator with the ball at his feet.

Back to Almiron, he can thrive in this offense now that he has a proven finisher ahead of him. Joelinton’s inability to get in proper positions and finish off plays last season hurt Almiron as a playmaker.

What Bruce needs to do in order to open the door for the Paraguayan is drop either Jeff Hendrick or Isaac Hayden. There is no need to keep two lines of three in midfield and up top.

If Bruce wants to get the absolute best out of this squad, the solution, which I have mentioned in the past as well, is simple. Deploy the 4-2-3-1 formation, and start the attacking quartet fans want to see. There is a reason why we want those players in the lineup, Brucey.