One 8/10, a 7.5, several 5s and a few 4s – Newcastle player ratings vs Yokohama

A poor end to our pre-season tour of Japan as Newcastle United lost 2-0 to Yokohama F. Marinos in front of a 50,000 crowd in Tokyo. A slightly flat display, but the 35 degree conditions made it tough for Eddie Howe’s Mags against a J-League side midway through their own season.

Here come the ratings from the defeat at the Japan National Stadium:

Vlachodimos (6) – No chance for the goal and looked tidy in possession. Looking like a solid back-up to Pope.

Livramento (6) – Important interception in the first half and looked better defensively tonight. Typically energetic in attack and offered good support

Schar (6.5) – Typical Schar performance at times. Assured in possession and marshalled the defence well. Stepped up to good effect and caught the opposition offside on several occasions.

Kelly (5.5) – One delicious ball over the top to release Isak and an important early block, but was lucky not to see red for hauling down the striker in the first half. Looked decent with room for improvement as he builds up his match fitness and settles into the side.

Hall (6) – Looked knackered coming off after an energetic display but concerns remain defensively. Very comfortable in possession but positionally still needs a bit of refining.

Longstaff (5) – Could’ve scored in the first half but that was as good as it got. Some wayward shooting from distance and misplaced passes has to have his place in the team in jeopardy. Willock and Tonali nipping at his heels.

Guimaraes (7.5) – Our captain on the night and ran the show for much of the first 45 minutes, dinking one lovely pass in behind for Barnes who failed to convert. Always available to receive possession and quick to get his head up to look for a forward pass

Joelinton (6) – Some good runs in the first half but switched off completely for the first goal. Got through plenty of work but not his most influential performance.

Almiron (5) – Energetic without much in the way of end product. Moved centrally in the second half and picked up the ball in between the lines well but the decision making was often poor.

Barnes (5.5) – Doesn’t quite look up to speed yet and on another day would’ve buried his opportunities. Needs a big performance in the SELA Cup.

Isak (6) – Intelligent performance with some great runs in behind the defence. Landed awkwardly on his shoulder but was able to finish the half. Hopefully isn’t injured.

Subs:

Pope (5.5) – No chance for the goal, flapped at a cross and made a couple of saves you’d expect him to make.

Ashby (5) – Given the run around for most of the second half and doesn’t look like being up to the standard required. Loan move looks likely

Krafth (4) – Very poor start to the second half and never truly looked comfortable after that. Has turned himself into a competent centre back but an upgrade is needed.

Burn (5.5) – Captain for the second half and was largely untroubled. Did everything without any fuss.

Murphy (4.5) – As good as he was against Urawa, he was poor tonight. Careless for the second goal and often caught in possession. Has enough credit in the bank this pre season though

*Sanusi (8) – What a talent this kid is. Direct, pacy and skilful who will find the end product in time. Won several free kicks and was a handful for the defence. Some lovely touches and looks like being in and around the first team squad this season

Parkinson (4.5) – Just hasn’t worked out for him in either of the friendlies in Japan. Largely on the periphery of the game summed up by his poor positioning from Ashby’s cut back. Doesn’t look ready for the first team.

Harrison (7) – Another player who seized his opportunity. Confident and technically very good with a wand of a left foot (except for one miss hit diagonal). Enhanced his reputation

Lewis (5.5) – Defended well and offered good support to Sanusi down the left. Probably doesn’t have a long term future at the club but didn’t look out of place

Turner-Cooke (NR) – Not enough time to make an impact