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EPL: 3 things to watch in Newcastle’s 18/19 season

By Gabriel Coelho

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez looks on during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St. James Park on May 13, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MAY 13: Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez looks on during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Chelsea at St. James Park on May 13, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle’s 17/18 season was consistent. This season, the club expects the progress to continue and cement themselves in the Premier League.

After getting promotion from the Championship in 2016/17, Newcastle had a positive and consistent season to stay in the Premier League in 2017/18. On a tight budget, the smart recruitment made by the club was enough to guarantee the survival in the Premier League, finishing in a top 10 spot, a place that wasn’t expected at the start of the season.

The financial backing is still weak considering the amount of money being spent by the rest of the Premier League clubs, but with players like Jamaal Lascelles and a great manager in Rafa Benítez, this season should be one of progress.

Rafa Benítez

Rafa Benítez is without a doubt one of the most proven managers in the Premier League. A two-time La Liga winner, a Champions League, and Europa League winner; you cannot ask much more from Rafa.

However, after spells with Napoli and Real Madrid, Newcastle is probably one of the biggest challenges Rafa has had in his whole career. Operating on a tight budget is never an easy job, and it gets more difficult in a league like the Premier League, where the majority of the clubs have a strong financial backing.

Last season Rafa reminded people of how talented he is at managing and finishing 10th just after gaining promotion is a statement to his talent. This season, Rafa’s challenge will be bigger, with the majority of the clubs getting better. If Newcastle manages to progress, this will be a big accomplishment in a long list for Rafa.

Jonjo Shelvey

Jonjo Shelvey is an interesting player. An absolutely talented midfielder that has a tempered attitude when playing. Shelvey is slowly learning to control his emotions and this could be a turning point on the midfielder’s career.

Shelvey is a quality midfielder who is very underrated. The Englishman has a rare quality of picking accurate passes, whether short or long. Shelvey is the metronome of Newcastle’s midfield and is surely one of the players Rafa Benítez is looking to build his team around.

Some people argue that Shelvey could’ve made the England squad for the World Cup and he would surely provide some tactical versatility with his qualities, even more considering the style Gareth Southgate sets his team to play.

This season can turn out to be very important for Shelvey. If he improves, this means he can establish himself as one of the best English midfielders in the league and get a regular place in the national team. Surely a player to look out for this season.

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