On Saturday against Brighton, it’s fair to say that when Sandro Tonali was subbed off there were murmurings of discontent rippling around the stands and a smattering of boos – a completely understandable reaction when the Italian is an excellent footballer.
He is one of the most technically proficient players in the squad and personally I feel he should be starting every game due to his quality, which is something I’ve written about before.
Bruno Guimaraes, as captain, is pretty much undroppable but he is also a quality player, although it’s fair to say he certainly hasn’t hit the heights of his previous two and half years in Black and White. Putting aside the captaincy, Bruno has more than enough quality to recover his form and start providing goals and assists again.
Joelinton is a footballer reborn under Eddie Howe. From flop to hero, he has become a midfield enforcer who during 2022/23 powered us to the Champions League. (Although, it is fair to point out that he played a hybrid left sided central midfield/ left wing role on multiple occasions).
However, Newcastle haven’t won any of the three league games they have started together this season, have only scored one penalty and picked up just the one point. Unfortunately, the midfield balance just seems to be off when the three play together. Perhaps it’s all down to time and it will all come together with increased games played together and not something like what we saw with ‘England’s golden generation.’
Time is a wonderful commodity but in football it’s like gold dust and it’s by no means a given that the midfield three from Saturday will get the game time together to iron out its issues. Personally, I would love Howe to revert to the midfield three, with the obvious provisos of injuries, of Longstaff, Bruno G., Tonali.
Many will balk at the dropping of Joelinton but he is really the only option to make way. In my opinion, every team needs a work horse, positional midfielder that will read the game and make runs the take defenders away from the more dangerous players in the team. Joelinton has struggled so far this season, and I feel he is better going forward anyway.
Besides he wouldn’t be dropped forever but with the fixtures coming up it’s important the midfield balance is correct if we want to pick up points and avoid a huge gap opening in the fledgling league table.
A brave suggestion Jon and one which has been mooted before and is supported by the stats. We were unbeaten when Sean started. Is JL7 a better player? Well yes but it is often about balance. You mention England, no one could play Lampard and Gerrard together successfully. A tragedy for any English fan.
Playing Sean allows Sandro and Bruno to get further forward but we would also miss Big Joe.
Not an easy one.
Jack Dees(Quote)
I think a more fluid approach is needed. Rigid systems are being replaced with more interchangable roles giving flexibility. Adam Cleary’s videos on four four two show this. Different formations when in and out of possession. Thinking simply as 4-3-3 is limiting. We may be better of as 4-4-1-1 out of possession and 3-2-4-1 in possession. But even this is limited thinking.
PremAndUp(Quote)
One option could be to try Longstaff as a 6 a position I personally think he would end up in can tackle cover the ground and do the simple things which could allow Bruno and Tonali to hopefully prosper as the number 8’s and build on the understanding they seem to have or try the two as a double pivot which could allow us to go from 442/4411/4231 but for couple of them to work Wilson will have to stay fit big ask or move Gordon threw the middle
Darren Bebb(Quote)
The article is looking in the wrong place.. they can all play together.. but it’s goals scored that is the is issue not a re hash piece along lampard and Gerrard lines
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It seems like you’re analyzing Newcastle’s midfield dynamics and the challenges faced in finding the right balance. Your insights on Sandro Tonali, Bruno Guimaraes, and Joelinton highlight the complexities of selecting a starting escape road lineup that maximizes both individual talent and team cohesion.
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I agree with your point about balancing the midfield. Longstaff playing as a number 6 could help Bruno and Tonali to their full potential.
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Newcastle has struggled to maintain consistency in midfield. Constant changes in formation and tactics have affected the players’ ability to coordinate.
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