Football

Premier League team introductions: Newcastle want to go to Europe, but maybe without Dúbravka in the line-up

Newcastle United, led by new owners, are planning a return to the European Cup. This year, with a squad costing more than €300 million, they would like to attack the league’s elite seven, so what line-up will they go into the season with?

Published

2 years ago

31. 7. 2022

Eduard Nosek

The realisation team

Eddie Howe took over a team in the relegation zone last December and the fans believed in him from the start. He made Joelinton an offensive midfielder and did a great job with the team before the new reinforcements arrived.

After the winter transfer window, the rescue was a given, How’s football was entertaining anyway, for example in the penultimate round he beat Arsenal and deprived them of the Champions League with a 2-0 win.

Goalkeeper

There is a big question mark in goal. Martin Dúbravka is the club’s long-time number one, who won several games for Newcastle last year, but in the summer he had competition in the form of English international Nick Pope.

Who will be the number one is a question, for Pop, age and the fact that he is English plays a role. For some, nationality may be an irrelevant thing, but in the British Isles, home-grown footballers are preferred.

Defenders

The edges of the defence are pretty clear. Winter signing Kieran Trippier cannot be missed for his offensive mindset and kicking technique, the left side is sharpened by Matt Targett, who has developed into one of the best left backs in the competition at Aston Villa.

In the middle, it’s not so clear cut. Sven Botman, the biggest summer signing, should be the number one, with winter signing Dan Burn alongside him for a change. The combination of young speed with experienced strength could work.

Yes, Jamal Lascelles has been named captain for the season, but he is not counted on in the starting lineup. There’s no doubt that Swiss Fabian Schar can fight for a spot in the lineup. And the second choices on the fringes? Jamal Lewis on the left, Emil Krafth on the right.

Midfielders

The three-man midfield has a Brazilian base. Bruno Guimaraes has shone after arriving from Lyon last year and has shown he is not a six but rather an eight, with Sean, the offspring and elder of the Longstaff brothers, expected to operate alongside him.

Before them, Joelinton was getting used to his new position under Howe. He fights under the tip, he doesn’t give anyone anything for nothing, plus he’s strong. The young coach has honed his defending and he’s much better at the 10 than he was before on offense.

He’ll have some room on the bench, too. Joe Wilock is a decent option at the eight, Jonjo Shelvey always leaves everything on the court, Matty Longstaff can also handle the last thirty minutes calmly.

Forwards

If the offense avoids injuries, it will bite a lot. At the tip, it’s been burning for long-time reliable sniper Callum Wilson, fans have grown to love him over the past two years. No wonder, he’s shot them to safety twice.

On the left wing is Allan Saint-Maximin, a French speedster and one of the best dribblers in the world. On the right, Newcastle rely on the hard-working Paraguayan Miguel Almiron.

Classic playmaker Chris Wood and fast wingers Jacob Murphy and Ryan Fraser will be waiting for a chance among the substitutes.