When Eddie Howe took over at St. James’ Park, the club were in dire straits battling against relegation at the bottom of the Premier League standings. However, the job that the former Bournemouth boss has done since 2021 has surpassed all expectations. That was only highlighted at the end of last season, as Howe guided Newcastle back into the Champions League after a 20-year wait.
Continued progression has been evident throughout this season, as Newcastle are among the favourites for Carabao Cup success in the football betting markets. But, which players have taken their game to a new level following Howe’s arrival on Tyneside?
Joelinton
If there has been a player that has epitomised what Howe has achieved at the club, then it has been Joelinton. The Brazilian was labelled as a flop before the coach’s arrival, as he struggled in the forward positions under Steve Bruce.
However, Howe’s arrival saw the dramatic decision to turn the Brazilian into a central midfielder. The decision has been vindicated following an excellent period of form from the 27-year-old over the last 18 months. His performances on the field also saw him gain a first call up for his national side, and he made his first appearance for Brazil in his central midfield role in 2023.
Sean Longstaff
Following the Saudi takeover, there was an expectancy that there would be an overhaul in the squad, with many of the poor performers under Bruce being replaced. However, Howe’s ability to work with and improve players already at the club has been among his trademark traits. A player that has certainly benefited from the excellent coaching at the Magpies has been Sean Longstaff, who has quickly become one of the most important players in the midfield position under Howe.
The 26-year-old has continued to improve since 2021, and he now possesses important traits at both end of the field that are tailored to Howe’s style of play. That has been evident once again this term, as he has already equalled his best scoring tally in a season after netting three goals across eleven appearances in all competitions.
Miguel Almiron
Miguel Almiron arrived at the club in 2019 with a huge reputation after impressing during a three-year stint in the MLS with Atlanta United. However, the forward struggled during his the opening months of his Newcastle career after failing to score after taking 40 shots in Premier League matches. However, his performances have reached a new level since Howe’s arrival in 2021.
He made club history earlier this season by becoming the first Newcastle scorer in the Champions League in over 20 years during the Magpies’ 4-1 win over PSG, and he has also been awarded a new three-and-a-half-year deal at the club. He was a standout star in the 2022-23 season for the club, netting eleven goals in 34 Premier League appearances as Newcastle finished in the top four, while he has already scored four times in 15 appearances across all competitions this term.
