The Toon army has been nothing short of entertaining to watch in recent times. Before Rafa Benitez had a problem of whom to play. Now his dilemmas who not to leave out!
Newcastle really loves the new year. Every turn of the year they’ve come back strong. I recall last season they went several games without losing a home fixture, aiding in their stay up in The Top Flight.
This season hasn’t been any different. They’ve now gone three games without a loss and have picked up seven points from the nine available to them. What has been the most noticeable aspect of the Toons’ game that has improved is their pressing and energy in the middle of the park. The new boy along with the others in the midfield has worked their socks off.
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Since the arrival of Miguel Almiron, it’s been all flair and work rate on the pitch. Everybody around him has just been feeding off his energy. The inclusion of Sean Longstaff has also been a brilliant touch by the Spaniard, Rafa.
The two midfield men plus their partner Isaac Hayden, has worked ever so well together. The three are on the same wavelength and you can regularly see them work for each other on the pitch, which is what you want from your men.
Now because of all the returns what’s Rafa to do?
Nothing really. Continue with the winning formula. If the squad doesn’t trust Rafa and his tactics by now, then they clearly don’t know the calibre of manager they have looking after them. A player who must sit and wait is Jonjo Shelvey.
Ill-famed for his attitude and his unwillingness to sit out and wait for his chance has hit the papers before. But Newcastle is his last chance. And at the moment, who wouldn’t want to be a part of this Newcastle squad?
The manager has warned he cannot expect to just waltz back into the starting lineup. Train hard and keep your head down. The current starting XI must remain the starters, week after week if they raking in the points for them to stay up in the Premier League.