Two Key Positions That Newcastle Need To Improve This Summer
The objective of this season for Newcastle United was survival and Rafael Benitez has delivered that. However, Benitez isn’t a manager who is going to sit quietly and pat the players’ backs for achieving the season’s target.
Of course, he will praise his players for what they have given throughout the season but his aim would be to improve their performances next season.
Benitez, one of the renowned and astute tacticians, has exceeded expectations this season, given the quality of the squad at his disposal. The Spaniard will be hoping to secure a top-6 finish next campaign but Newcastle will continue to struggle without the arrival of quality transfers.
With that being said, here are two positions that the Magpies must improve this summer.
Attacking midfield
One of the premium needs for next season is a quality attacking midfielder. In Benitez’s 4-4-1-1 and 4-2-3-1 formations, the No.10 position plays a vital role.
Ayoze Perez has been deployed in that position and in all fairness, he has performed well. He has been good but not spectacular, to be honest. However, his displays behind the striker deserve praise.
Nevertheless, there is an obvious and clear need for a more dynamic attacking midfielder, one who is capable of delivering the goods consistently and not disappear in crucial games. It is instrumental for that position to be addressed in order for the Magpies to compete and succeed.
Striker
Defensively solid but poor in the attack – this is the summary of Newcastle’s season. Scoring goals has been the biggest problem they have faced this campaign.
Dwight Gayle has been fine but Joselu has just not delivered, while Aleksandar Mitrovic was shipped out on loan to Fulham.
A clinical striker who offers something different to Gayle would be welcome at Tyneside. A targetman who can take a defender out of the game, create chances and score a fair amount of goals is the need of the hour.
Gayle was prolific last season in the Championship but Premier League is a different game altogether. He is a predator but has rightfully found it tough to breach defences this term. He has also received limited services from his teammates.
Newcastle are not big spenders in the transfer market and the manager needs to consider cheap but effective options in summer ahead of next season.
It is true that Newcastle have a lot of quality in the current squad but competing with the elite would need a couple of fantastic signings.
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