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This Newcastle backup is suddenly the club’s most important player

By Carson A Merk

Newcastle United F.C.'s Callum Wilson (R) and Newcastle United F.C.'s English striker Andy Carroll (C). (Photo by ADAM DAVY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Newcastle United F.C.'s Callum Wilson (R) and Newcastle United F.C.'s English striker Andy Carroll (C). (Photo by ADAM DAVY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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With Callum Wilson’s injury expected to keep him out for a significant amount of matches, Newcastle United will rely on this rotational player heavily.

Through eight matches this season, Newcastle United have been able to count on Callum Wilson at the top of the formation. He’s scored six goals to go with one assist in those performances, a welcome sight for a fan base starving for a star striker. But, according to The Northern Echo, a hamstring injury has put him on the shelf for a while. Now, an unexpected player will need to step up for the Magpies.

Without Wilson and Dwight Gayle, Andy Carroll may be the next man up for Steve Bruce’s side. The 31-year-old started the first two matches of the season next to Wilson in a 4-4-2 formation. He hasn’t scored a goal yet since returning back to Newcastle United ahead of last season. But, Carroll does bring his trademark physicality in the air and can hold up play to open up his teammates.

In the busy stretch of matches coming up, where they will be missing Wilson for at least a portion, Carroll will be able to stay up top and try to win the ball when Newcastle knocks it forward from the defensive half as they’re known to do.

It’s not fair to expect similar production as Wilson from Carroll, but he will need to turn in some quality performances and at least find the net. With the club playing such a defensive style, they will need their target forward to take advantage of limited chances going forward.

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Of course, Bruce could elect to turn to Joelinton as the #9 over Carroll. But, he seems to enjoy the Brazilian playing as a wide player more than a striker. I’d expect both Carroll and Joelinton to get chances up top, potentially even going back to that 4-4-2 that Bruce used to start the season.