For all of our inconsistencies and struggles defensively, Newcastle’s goalscoring this season has been so impressive.
We’ve already comfortably outscored last season’s tally, we’ve bagged 22 more than Man Utd, scored three or more on 15 occasions in all competitions and are the second-highest-scoring home team in Europe’s top leagues, with only Bayern Munich (51) bettering our 48 goals at St James’ Park so far.
Our attacking play has improved under Eddie Howe, yet our right-hand side will almost certainly look considerably stronger next season.
For all of their efforts and value as squad players, Sean Longstaff, Jacob Murphy and Miguel Almiron have their limitations and have played the vast majority of our games down the right. You can rarely question their commitment to the cause, but their output is limited.
Longstaff hasn’t missed a minute of Premier League football since the turn of the year and takes up a position Sandro Tonali will almost certainly adopt when fit and available next season. The Italian was our big-money signing last summer and can add that sprinkle of quality, pace (he is deceptively quick) and ingenuity to that side of our midfield three, with Joelinton, Elliot Anderson and Joe Willock likely to compete for the left-sided slot.
Then to the right wing, I am convince this is the summer we invest in a much-needed upgrade. Down our left, we have two superb options in Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes. They have been involved in 26 league goals between them this term, while Almiron and Murphy have just 10 goal involvements between them.
Who we sign is anyone’s guess. Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo could be a superb addition, while Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise and Wolves’ Pedro Neto are impressing at mid-table sides and ready to take the next step in their careers. Exciting overseas options like PSV’s Johan Bakayoko and Bilbao’s Nico Williams have also been watched.
Almiron has interest from Saudi Arabia and turned 30…
Source link : https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2024/05/02/toon-set-for-two-exciting-upgrades-ahead-of-2024-25-season/
Author : Olly Hawkins
Publish date : 2024-05-02 18:00:26
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