Who is top of the class so far and who could do much better?
EARLY-SEASON REPORT ON NEWCASTLE’S FORM
WITH the Premier League enjoying a weekend off due to the international break, Rafa Benitez has a golden opportunity to assess Newcastle United’s start to the season.
Results-wise it has been a disappointing start for the Magpies given that they are winless in the Premier League and were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Nottingham Forest.
United suffered a disappointing goalless draw at Cardiff City, but the Magpies have also lost 2-1 to Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea and Manchester City as they have taken just one point from their first four league games.
Here, NUFC Writer Chris Waugh has given individual grades to every member of Newcastle’s first-team squad who has made an appearance so far this season.
It is early in the campaign, so these grades will almost certainly change dramatically over the course of the season, but here’s who has impressed for United so far, and who needs to improve...
GOALKEEPERS
Martin Dubravka: A
A little nervy with his distribution at times, but made a host of crucial saves against Man City and is an excellent all-round goalkeeper. An absolute bargain.
Karl Darlow: C
Harsh as this is judging him on his only display so far, but Darlow was poor during the defeat to Forest.
FULL-BACKS
DeAndre Yedlin: B
Defensively he struggled against Spurs, but luckily he avoided a serious knee injury – and his goal against Man City was excellent. Paul Dummett: B+ Mr Dependable. Hasn’t really put a foot wrong this season and, though he is limited in attack, is a Benitez favourite in defence.
Javier Manquillo: E+
Again this is harsh as it’s based on one display, but the Spaniard was given a torrid 45 minutes at Cardiff before limping off injured.
Jamie Sterry: C+
Was one of the better players at Forest in difficult circumstances, and has earned himself a place as a first-team deputy.
CENTRE-BACKS
Ciaran Clark: BStruggled out of position at leftback at Forest, but has deputised well in Florian Lejeune’s absence – even if he is not a ball-playing defender.
Fabian Schar: C
An excellent debut against Chelsea in a five-man defence was followed by a schooling at the hands of Daryl Murphy at Forest. Needs time to adapt.
Jamaal Lascelles: B
Yet to rediscover last season’s form. Has been steady, but his mistake allowed Man City to open the scoring. Will be back to his best soon enough.
Federico Fernandez (pictured left): A
Aside from a difficult evening at the City Ground, the Argentine has been excellent. An organiser who is decent on the ball, he looks set to be a mainstay in the side until Lejeune returns.
MIDFIELDERS
Ki Sung-yueng: CHarsh to an extent, given the fact Ki has faced Man City and Chelsea in the league and has been asked to take on Shelvey’s role, but is yet to find his full match sharpness. Mo Diame: BHas been good in a destructive sense, but is yet to show the magnificent form he displayed during the first half of 2018.
Jonjo Shelvey: B
A good display at Spurs was followed by a poor one at Cardiff, but the sooner he returns from a thigh problem, the better for United. Newcastle simply lack invention without him.
Isaac Hayden: D
Has only played 21 minutes of football, but that’s due to his reckless red card at Cardiff. The want-away midfielder has to refocus now he knows he’s staying on Tyneside until January at least.
Sean Longstaff: B
Nothing more could have been asked of him so far this season. A decent display at Forest, and has forced himself on to the periphery of the first team.
WINGERS
Jacob Murphy: C
Is still a raw talent who needs to find consistency but, after showing glimpses against Chelsea, hasn’t started since. Needs a regular run in the XI.
Matt Ritchie: B
Remains an important member of the squad. Has an assist to his name already, but needs to start providing greater opportunities for team-mates.
Kenedy (pictured left): D The reason his grade is so low is because of how high his standards were last season. The Brazilian is an exceptional talent but he needs to translate his home performances on to the road, and he must start contributing more of an end product. Christian Atsu: CTwo nondescript substitute appearances in the league and a very poor display at Nottingham Forest. Desperately needs to impose himself more on matches to start providing goals and assists.
FORWARDS
Salomon Rondon: B
Wasn’t fit when he first arrived and is yet to reach his peak. But has his first United goal and put in a very good all-round display at Man City. Fits perfectly into Benitez’s preferred system.
Yoshinori Muto: C
Has yet to feature in the league in his favoured position, and was poor at the City Ground. Needs time to adapt, but looks like he has something about him.
Ayoze Perez: B
Has worked extremely hard off the ball so far this season, but has yet to shine in attack. Newcastle need him to hit the heights of the first half of 2018 soon to provide greater creativity.
Joselu: B+
Two goals in just two starts, the Spaniard has netted against Spurs and Chelsea, and has done well all round. Is never going to frighten opposition defences, but does a commendable job for Benitez.