Rob Elliot disagrees with criticism of Newcastle squad

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Newcastle United have endured a mixed first season back in the Premier League, but appear to have turned a corner.

In comments reported by the Shields Gazette, Rob Elliot has suggested that he would completely disagree with the notion that Newcastle do not have a squad that is good enough for the Premier League.

It has been an eventful first season back in the top flight for Rafa Benitez’s men. After a bright start, the Magpies slid down the table and have spent much of the campaign hovering around the relegation zone.

However, Newcastle appear to have turned a corner in recent weeks. Their only defeat in their last six games came away from home at Liverpool, while they have also picked up hugely impressive wins over Manchester United and Southampton to move five points clear of the bottom three heading into the international break.

And Elliot suggested that the squad have proved a point to a lot of people with their recent form as they look to ensure that they avoid a nervy end to the campaign.

“I think there’s been a lot made about the squad not being a Premier League squad, but I completely disagree,” he said, as reported by the Shields Gazette. “There’s strength in depth and they have proven time and time again they are good enough, not forgetting this is the first half of a season back in the Premier League.

“The players have got a lot to prove. They are a young squad, but, all in all, it’s very positive and hopefully we can have a strong end to the season.”

While Elliot is confident that the squad is good enough to thrive at the highest level, it would not be a surprise if Benitez was looking to add significant quality during the next summer window.

Newcastle have the potential to push much higher up the table if they are able to find some gems in the market. At the very least, Benitez will be hoping that the side are in a much better position in the division this time next year.