Newcastle United need to get their midfield combination right as they attempt to build on a decent start.
Newcastle United have enjoyed a promising start to life back in the Premier League, but their manager Rafa Benitez may have a decision to make when it comes to his ideal midfield combination.
After all, despite Isaac Hayden’s defensive nous, the former Arsenal man has struggled so far this season, looking out of sorts against Brighton & Hove Albion while his fellow midfielder Mikel Merino proved to be a class apart.
While Hayden has faltered, his Newcastle teammate Jonjo Shelvey has had to make do with a place on the bench since his sending off on the opening weekend, but could the one-time Swansea City man and the majestic Merino be the best midfield pairing for the Magpies moving forward?
Pairing Shelvey with the summer signing would leave Newcastle at risk, with Hayden unquestionably their best defensive midfielder when the 22-year-old is on form.
The problem is, that has not been the case for a while and Shelvey does not deserve a watching brief when he could make a real difference to Newcastle’s performances.
Merino is a definite starter, one of the first names on Newcastle’s team sheet after his outstanding start to the campaign. The question is: Who partners him?
At times playing three in the centre could be the best option for Newcastle, especially against more free-flowing attack-minded sides such as Liverpool.
But when Benitez wants to take the game to the opposition, it seems Shelvey for Hayden could be the sensible choice.
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