How difficult is Rafa Benitez’s task at Newcastle when the players he has with genuine Premier League quality is so low?
Ayoze Perez celebrates the second Newcastle United goal during the Premier League match against West Bromwich Albion.
Newcastle United battled back to draw 2-2 at West Bromwich Albion to stop their losing streak in the Premier League stretching to five matches.
It moved the Magpies up to 12th in the table – temporarily at least with the three teams directly below them all playing tonight (November 29) and having the opportunity to go back ahead.
Rafael Benitez, manager of Newcastle United, looks on prior to the Premier League match against West Bromwich Albion.
However, did the elation of an 83rd minute equaliser having trailed 2-0 until 59 minutes actually paper over some serious cracks in Rafa Benitez’s squad?
The Guardian reported on Benitez’s frustration immediately after the summer transfer window closed, with the Spaniard overseeing 16 departures from St James’ Park and the wage bill reduced by around £200,000-a-week, yet only six new players arrived and four key positions were not filled.
It means that the 57-year-old is working with a squad that he does not feel is cut out to compete in the top flight of English football, which was perhaps shown by four straight defeats prior to the draw at West Brom – which included home losses to Bournemouth and Watford.
When looking at Benitez’s squad who actually possesses Premier League quality? Mikel Merino has been the standout star for the club this season and looks destined for a successful career at the top. In defence, captain Jamaal Lascelles has also proven his worth through both his performances and leadership.
Sam Field of West Bromwich Albion and Mikel Merino of Newcastle United during the Premier League match at The Hawthorns.
New signing Florian Lejeune looks an adequate partner for Lascelles and although often erratic, Jonjo Shelvey’s passing is the best Newcastle have by some distance.
Beyond that it is difficult to argue those at Benitez’s disposal are better than Championship quality. Ayoze Perez and Aleksandar Mitrovic, perhaps, and Matt Ritchie comes close although has failed to truly prove it at the top after stints with the Cherries and now the Toon.
Yet for there to be seven players who have the required talent to compete in the division is a worrying predicament and suggests the manager was right to be so frustrated at a lack of movement in the market.
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