Earlier today, Newcastle released footage of Dan Burn and Matt Targett in their first session under Eddie Howe, following their deadline day arrivals.
Interestingly, one moment in the footage shows Burn speaking to Jamaal Lascelles, which could provide a glimpse into the future.
What’s the story?
Well, the £11m man could be seen discussing something with Lascelles at Little Benton, as Howe’s coaches barked orders in the background.
Burn throws up plenty of hand gestures, including one moment at 29 seconds where he appears to show three fingers to Lascelles.
He then points at the Newcastle centre-back, and nods when the former Nottingham Forest man responds.
You can see the footage in full below.
In our view, this suggests that Howe will use Burn, Lascelles and Fabian Schar in a three-man backline, flanked by Kieran Trippier and Targett.
Dan Burn should thrive at Newcastle
Interestingly, this three-man backline is what Graham Potter uses at Brighton – he has deployed the system five times in the Premier League this season, according to WhoScored, more than any other shape.
It has helped Burn thrive, and we think it would be very smart of Howe to set his side up like that for the remainder of the campaign.
The 6ft 7in centre-back isn’t the quickest, so it should help him massively to have Lascelles and Schar around him, just like Adam Webster and Lewis Dunk did at Brighton.
Furthermore, this system would help to get the best out of Targett and Trippier, two players who are fantastic crossers of the ball.
Operating as wing-backs will ensure the duo get high up the pitch, where they should be found regularly thanks to Bruno Guimarães dictating the play.
If it all comes together, this formation should easily help the Magpies avoid relegation from the Premier League.
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