Rafael Benitez was busy in the transfer market over the summer, but how have his new additions settled in?
Newcastle United Manager Rafael Benitez
Twelve players arrived through the St James’ Park revolving door over the summer, with Rafael Benitez determined to bring players in with the necessary quality and character to get Newcastle out of the Championship at the first attempt.
The majority of them have played at least some part in the Magpies solid start to the season, which has seen the Toon win seven of their first 11 games and sit third in the table going into the international break.
So, in order of their arrival, here is how the newbies have got on in black and white stripes so far.
Matz Sels – C-
Newcastle United’s Matz Sels looks dejected after the match
It has been a shaky start to life in English football for the Belgian goalkeeper, whose transition from Champions League to Championship hasn’t been as successful as supporters were hoping for.
Most concerning has been Sels’ command of the area, as he has looked uncomfortable under the high ball. While he has made some good stops, he has appeared shaky at times – something that won’t have been helped by the unnecessary abuse sent his way in the aftermath of Newcastle’s draw with Aston Villa, which led to the goalkeeper deleting his Twitter account.
He has been replaced by Karl Darlow for Newcastle’s last two fixtures, and has work to do if he is to reclaim the number one jersey.
Dwight Gayle – A-
The striker was brought in to fire the goals to earn Newcastle promotion, and with seven to his name already Gayle is certainly well on the way to a productive season in the second tier.
Having looked nervy early on in the season – he opened his account from a rebound after missing a penalty – the former Crystal Palace man netted a brace against Reading and followed that up with a vital winner at Bristol City.
Newcastle United’s Dwight Gayle scores against Bristol City
A three match run without a goal in the Championship was then ended in spectacular style as Gayle netted a hat-trick in Newcastle’s memorable 4-3 win over Norwich. The last-gasp winner saw joyous scenes around St James’ Park, and Gayle was rewarded for his exploits by being wrestled to the ground by Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Gayle has missed several clear cut chances, hence the minus attached to his A grade, but if he stays injury free he should be eyeing a 20-goal campaign.
Matt Ritchie – A-
The most expensive of Newcastle’s array of summer additions, Ritchie has oozed class on the right hand side and played a crucial role in the good start made by Benitez’s side.
Newcastle’s Matt Ritchie scores their second goal from the penalty spot
Like Andros Townsend, the player Ritchie has replaced on Newcastle’s right wing, he is a player capable of cutting inside to devastating effect and adds crucial creative nous to attacks.
Not reliant on pace, Ritchie instead makes good use of his passing and crossing ability and has forged a good understanding with Dwight Gayle. He will be looking to add more goals to his name as the season progresses, having netted just once so far.
Jesus Gamez – C
The Spanish full-back signed by Atletico Madrid has seen the early days of his Newcastle career interrupted by injuries and the form of those in front of him in the pecking order.
Vurnon Anita started the season impressively on the right hand side of defence and DeAndre Yedlin has deputised well in his absence, meaning Gamez has made just two appearances so far, both in August. It will be impossible to judge the Spaniard until he gets a run of games in the back four.
Isaac Hayden – B
Newcastle United’s Isaac Hayden scores against Reading
Having spent last season on loan at Hull, Hayden knows what it takes to get out of the Championship and has brought a ruthless efficiency to the Magpies midfield. He is not the most creative of players, but compliments Jonjo Shelvey in that regard and keeps things simple in the engine room allowing others to thrive.
Strong in the tackle and sensible on the ball, Hayden will be scrapping it out with Jack Colback to make the holding midfield spot his own as the season progresses.
Grant Hanley – C+
The Scottish international has not started a league match since the opening weekend’s defeat at Fulham, instead being forced to settle for two substitute appearances.
On one of those, Hanley got off the mark for his new side in the 6-0 thumping of QPR, but the former Blackburn man looks to have slipped to fourth choice behind Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark and Chancel Mbemba in the central defensive pecking order.
Nonetheless, the sheer number of games means Hanley will get his chance again soon enough, and it will be up to the 24-year-old to grab that with both hands.
Newcastle United’s Grant Hanley celebrates scoring their sixth goal
Ciaran Clark – B+
Many Newcastle fans were underwhelmed by the signing of Clark; after all, Aston Villa fans were not exactly gutted to see him go, and they are not in a position to be picky.
Since his arrival, however, Clark’s no nonsense style has impressed and looks to be just what Newcastle need in the tough, scrappy away games. Saturday was a case in point, as Clark and captain Jamaal Lascelles held firm against a physical Rotherham side and kept a vital clean sheet to help the Geordies to another victory.
Clark seems to be developing a solid partnership with Lascelles, and also provides a threat from set pieces – he, like Hanley, scored his first Newcastle goal in the blitz at QPR. He’s not just an old-school centre half either, and is capable of starting attacks for his side with effective forays into midfield.
Mohamed Diame – D
The big disappointment amongst the summer signings to date, Diame clearly has the quality but has so far not produced it consistently enough. After an anonymous debut against Huddersfield, Diame was better against Bristol City and provided an excellent assist for Gayle, but that has been the highlight of his Toon career to date.
Newcastle United’s Mohamed Diame receives a yellow card from Tim Robinson
Still yet to find the net for his new club having passed up several excellent opportunities to do so – particularly against Aston Villa – Diame is reminiscent of Moussa Sissoko in that he looks good enough to take games by storm but rarely actually does so.
Of course, there is more than enough time for the former Hull man to come good, but with growing calls for Mitrovic to join Gayle up front Diame’s performances will need to pick up if he is to maintain his role in behind the striker.
DeAndre Yedlin – B+
The rapid full-back has settled in well on Tyneside, deputising admirably in Vurnon Anita’s absence and even getting on the scoresheet to seal a fine win at Derby – though how much he knew about the goal is up for debate.
Newcastle United’s DeAndre Yedlin (centre) celebrates scoring at Derby
The American flyer offers a better attacking outlet than Anita, but Benitez so far has generally preferred the solidity offered by the Dutchman. Both are sure to play crucial roles as Rafa’s rotation policy continues, with Yedlin perhaps more likely to be used in home matches where the game can be taken to the opposition.
Daryl Murphy – C
The former Ipswich striker has appeared just once in black and white so far, playing the full match in the League Cup win over Wolves. Reports were mixed, with some feeling the Irishman showed impressive hold-up play and others believing Murphy was a striker of limited ability.
It is of course still far too early to judge the Irish international, and he should prove to be a useful squad player as the fixtures pile up through the winter. A recent injury picked up on international duty could mean he has to wait a little longer than he would like to make his impact.
Achraf Lazaar – C-
Like Murphy, Lazaar’s only Newcastle appearance to date came in the League Cup defeat of Wolves. Benitez recently explained that he hasn’t given the Moroccan a league bow yet as he is still getting used to English football, but he should feature before too long. Receives the minus for opting to wear the number seven jersey despite being a left-back.
Christian Atsu – B+
Newcastle United’s Christian Atsu (R) scores their first goal
The Chelsea loanee offers a pacy alternative to Matt Ritchie on the right hand side, and gave the Rotherham defence a torrid time on his full debut at the weekend. His excellent goal showed that he has an end product, and the Ghanaian international gives Newcastle the option of something different in tight games; Saturday showed he is capable of moments of genius which can decide matches at this level.
What have you made of Newcastle’s new boys? Leave your thoughts below.
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