Newcastle United are on course for an immediate return to the Premier League under Rafa Benitez.
Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez
As many expected, it’s been an excellent season so far for Newcastle United fans. Sat at the top of the Championship table on 66 points, the Magpies look odds on to make an immediate return to the top flight of English football.
This has largely been down to the exceptional job manager Rafa Benitez has done this season. The former Liverpool, Chelsea and Real Madrid man agreed to follow Newcastle down to the Championship this season, and has got the Magpies playing some excellent attacking football.
So who have the stand out performers been for Newcastle United this season? HITC Sport have compiled a list of the top five, but did we get it right? Here’s a look at our picks…
1. Dwight Gayle
Newcastle United’s Dwight Gayle
The Championship’s leading goal scorer this season with 20 goals, Dwight Gayle has been in phenomenal form for Newcastle United. Signed from Crystal Palace in the summer, Gayle had something to prove when he arrived at St James Park, but has now surely put any doubts about his ability to bed.
2. Jonjo Shelvey
Newcastle’s Jonjo Shelvey
Many expected Shelvey to depart Newcastle United in the summer, as a player who can clearly play in the Premier League, but the Magpies once again pulled off a coup in keeping the former Swansea midfielder at the club. Newcastle’s midfield general, Shelvey has once again dictated play for the Magpies this season, with his passing unmatched by any in the Championship.
3. Karl Darlow
Newcastle’s Karl Darlow
Stepping up to fill the shoes of Selz and Elliott, Karl Darlow has made the goalkeeping spot his own this season after a number of excellent displays. Signed from Nottingham Forest in 2015, Darlow has had to patiently wait his turn at St James Park, but is now making the most of his chance, impressing manager Rafa Benitez.
4. Isaac Hayden
Isaac Hayden of Newcastle United
Signing in the summer from Arsenal after a successful loan spell at Hull City, Isaac Hayden has been extremely impressive for Newcastle United this season. Powerful, strong and not shy to have a pop at goal, Hayden’s partnership with Jonjo Shelvey has been very effective for the Magpies, and holds them in good stead should they make the jump back up to the Premier League.
5. Matt Ritchie
Newcastle’s Matt Ritchie
Scoring twelve goals from the wing for Newcastle United this season, Matt Ritchie has been arguably one of the best players in the league this year. Pacy, direct, and with a clear eye for goal, acquiring Ritchie’s signature from Bournemouth in the summer is looking like more and more of a masterstroke.
So do you agree with our list? Did we miss anyone out? Let us know in the comments!
Newcastle’s Matt Ritchie and Isaac Hayden
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