The role these players have played in the Magpies’ impressive surge to the summit of the Championship table should not be underestimated.
To the surprise of few, Rafael Benitez’s star-studded Newcastle United side currently sit top of the Championship table, eight points clear of third-placed Huddersfield Town and well positioned to gain instant promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking following last season’s painful relegation.
Despite losing their opening two Championship fixtures to Fulham and Huddersfield respectively, the embarrassment of riches that Benitez boasts amongst his black and white ranks has proved too much for envious second-tier sides to handle thus far, with the Magpies winning 12 of their opening 16 league fixtures and holding a spectacular goal difference of +21.
Though much of Newcastle’s early season success has been attributed to the majestic goalscoring exploits of current Championship top scorer Dwight Gayle, the creative genius of imperious midfielder Jonjo Shelvey and the wing-wizardry of summer signing Matt Ritchie, the nucleus of the Magpies’ squad is made up of a number of less fashionable players whose stellar displays ought to be brought to the fore and given due commendation.
Below we look at three unsung heroes who have played key roles during Newcastle’s magnificent start to life in the Championship.
Isaac Hayden
When Rafael Benitez moved to add Arsenal academy graduate Isaac Hayden to his ambitious project on Tyneside over the summer, many would have been forgiven for admitting that they were unfamiliar with the England U21 international’s credentials.
Despite spending over eight-years on the Gunners’ books as a youngster, Hayden mustered just two two first-team appearances for Arsene Wenger’s senior side side between 2013-15 before joining Hull City on a season-long loan to gain experience prior to the 2015/16 season, where he would go on to help Steve Bruce’s Tigers return to the Premier League via the play-offs.
With the Championship being a notoriously physical league, with gruelling corporeal and mental demands, Benitez was drawn to Hayden’s versatility, thoroughbread physique and athletic playing style. The Chelmsford-born youngster has quickly proved to be one of the transfer coups of the season; establishing himself as a key member of the Magpies’ squad with 15 appearances to his name already,
Not your typical defensive-midfielder, it is clear to see that the enviable footballing education Hayden accrued during his progression through Arsenal’s famed academy has heavily-influenced his playing style. The strapping Englishman’s understated technical abilities have been pivotal in helping Benitez implement the entertaining playing style which has given the previously faceless Magpies a clear identity out on the pitch.
Paul Dummett
Scapegoated by vast swathes of the Toon Army for his substandard displays during last season’s relegation campaign, many fans hoped that Benitez would move to replace the unfashionable Welshman with a more technically gifted left full-back during the summer to aid the Magpies’ promotion quest.
Dummett’s defensive capabilities have scarcely been questioned – with a notable portion of fans hoping that the Wales international would ultimately be converted into a centre-back to pander to his playing strengths. However, the wholehearted 25-year-old’s discernible shortcomings in possession became a major source of frustration for Newcastle fans during their agonising slide into the Championship.
Though fellow left-sided defenders Jesus Gamez and Achraf Lazaar did move to St James’ Park during the Magpies’ mass summer overhaul of playing staff, Dummett, somewhat surprisingly, started the season as Benitez’s first choice left-back. The Newcastle academy graduate has visibly grown as a footballer throughout the campaign due to the unyielding faith the revered Spanish tactician has shown in him since he joined the club in March.
Steadfast in his effort and commitment, local lad Dummett has been handed the captain’s armband on several occasions throughout this season, and the demode left-back’s enormous improvement is testament to his admirable attitude as well as the excellent coaching of multiple title-winning coach Benitez and his assiduous backroom team.
Vurnon Anita
Despite joining Newcastle from Dutch giants Ajax during the summer of 2012, petite midfielder Anita struggled to establish himself as a first-team regular for the Magpies right up until Benitez’s arrival to replace the sacked Steve McClaren last season.
Anita’s form from 2012 to the start of 2016 rendered him obsolete as a force and prevented him from showcasing the technical attributes that made him such a key player at the Amsterdam Arena.
His second-rate stint on Tyneside looked destined to end in acrimonious circumstances, as he loitered on the Newcastle bench during their relegation battle, until an injury to ex-defender Daryl Janmaat handed the 27-year-0ld one last opportunity to prove his worth in an unfamiliar right-back slot.
Although Anita had sporadically featured as a left-back during his seven-years with Ajax’s senior team, full-back is a role that many expected the unassuming Netherlands international to struggle with.
However, the reinvigorated Dutchman has been in resplendent form since being unceremoniously thrust into the Magpies’ starting XI at the backend of last season, and his tenacity, consistency and maturity have helped to establish him as one of Benitez’s most-trusted players this season.
Though intrepid Magpies’ teammate DeAndre Yedlin’s marauding performances from right-back may attract more attention and plaudits, Anita’s defensive displays, particularly away from home, have been vital in Newcastle’s rise to the summit of the Championship table, and the affable Dutchman will have a crucial role to play between now and the season’s conclusion in April.
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