Newcastle United were expected to vastly improve this season following relegation worries in the prior campaign. However, no one expected Newcastle to mount a challenge for a top-four position this soon. The club has begun to invest heavily, but some of the already existing personnel have played the most crucial roles this season. The Magpies look set to return to playing amongst the European elite, but who have been the leading stars that have made it a possibility?
The top goalscorer
Callum Wilson is the top goal-scorer in the league for Newcastle. He was signed from AFC Bournemouth following their relegation to the Championship in 2020. He has been the star man this season and has spearheaded the charge towards the UCL. In Premier League odds, Newcastle are now odds on favourites to finish in the top four at 1/4.
Without Wilson’s 17 goals in his opening 33 appearances, Newcastle could not have dreamt of achieving Champions League football. The EPL predictions suggest Newcastle are not likely to leak an abundance of goals in the Premier League run-in. The stars behind Newcastle’s remarkable campaign conceded just 31 goals in their opening 35 fixtures, as the defence has also been a crucial factor in their quest for UCL football.
What a season he's having 🙌
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 13, 2023
Callum Wilson’s 17 goals are the most by a player for @NUFC in a single #PL season since Alan Shearer in 2003/04 (22) ⭐ pic.twitter.com/3q60W7iKQj
Eddie Howe’s imperious defensive unit
Newcastle have had one of the strongest defences in the Premier League this season. A mixture of shrewd new signings and long-term players have formed a strong cohort at the back. Kieran Trippier has provided much-needed experience as well as creativity in the right fullback role. He is the most senior member of the squad and is the leader this ambitious Newcastle team required. His importance to the team was indicated by the new contract he was given in January of this year.
Kieran Trippier has created more chances than any other player in the Premier League this season (104). 🪄 pic.twitter.com/aVCDNjjhTk
— Squawka (@Squawka) May 13, 2023
Fabian Schar has offered aerial dominance, as well as an admirable ball-playing ability in the heart of the defence. He has been imperious with his consistent defensive work, but his technical ability has also been crucial to the team’s offensive play. Dan Burn has been another experienced player that has been immense for the Magpies this season. Whether slotting in at centre-half or at fullback he has been incredibly reliable. Burn was one of Howe’s earliest signings at the club, and he has proven to be a huge success, having played in every game this season.
The high-energy midfield area
Howe has the luxury of having a host of excellent midfield options at his disposal. Some were signed by the English coach and others have been at the club long-term. Bruno Guimaraes is the standout, but his quality is well-known across the top flight, others have perhaps gone under the radar this season.
Brazilian Joelinton was originally transformed into a central midfield player by former manager Steve Bruce. He struggled in his former centre-forward role but has excelled in the deeper position. His energy, tenacity, and ability to drive forwards with the ball have been crucial to the success of Howe’s system. Joelinton helps Newcastle to evade the opposition press and move further up the pitch – his game has arguably moved up another notch since Howe took charge.
Newcastle looks likely to play in the UCL next season, and that is due to the commitment of the overall squad. They have prolific goal scorers, box-to-box technicians, and dominant defenders. Howe has built a high-quality squad that is achieving its ambitious targets years in advance. A dynasty is quickly being unravelled at St James’ Park.