We take a look at three players who desperately need to impress at Newcastle this season.
Despite the constant stream of players linked with Newcastle during the close season, Rafael Benitez seems to be resigned to having to work with most of the squad he used to win the Championship last season.
The former Liverpool manager’s knowledge and experience of the League will undoubtedly be a huge factor to the eventual position the Magpies finish in the League table, but he will be looking to the players with Premier League experience to step up to the plate. Here are three players whose future will be decided on their performance for the Toon army.
Mohamed Diame of Newcastle United during a pre-season friendly match
#3 Mohamed Diame
There is no denying that the Senegal international has been around the blocks in the Premier League, and was important for Newcastle last season in the Championship. The 30-year-old was used as a rampaging midfielder behind the striker last season and given the lack of options in the squad for exactly that position; he might see game time again this season.
Diame is undoubtedly capable of moments of brilliance, often for him and Newcastle fans, the same word ‘moments’ could be used to sum up his career for the Magpies. Another season of missed opportunities will surely see the Benitez on the phone with Mike Ashley.
Newcastle player Jack Colback (r) challenges Che Adams (l) of Birmingham
#2 Jack Colback
It’s always nice to have a local boy in the squad. But, sadly for Jack, it is not enough. With Mikel Merino joining on loan and Isaac Hayden to compete with, Colback has a fight on his hands to get into the starting lineup.
However, given his flexibility, the 27-year-old will undoubtedly get playing time this season. If he is unable to recapture the performances which led to a national team call up, he will be expendable come the end of the season.
Dwight Gayle scores for Newcastle
#1 Dwight Gayle
A huge part of the Newcastle’s successful Championship campaign was down to Dwight Gayle. The 27-year-old scored 23 goals in 26 League starts last season, and looks set to lead the line for the Magpies this season.
However, his record in the Premier League makes for sad reading. He scored just 3 goals in 16 appearances for Crystal Palace in the 2015/16 season. If he has another season like the one he had the year before last, he will join a select group of players who are too good for the Championship, but not good enough for the Premier League.
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