Howe coach’s faith has boosted Krafth
EMIL Krafth’s rise at Newcastle United provides an insight into the impact of Eddie Howe at the club.
Krafth has followed in the footsteps of several players to have benefited from the work of Howe.
The Swedish international has signed a one-year extension to his current deal with the reaction from fans largely being positive.
While midfielder Joelinton and defender Fabian Schar grabbed the headlines last season with their rebirth at the club it is not too far of a stretch to suggest Krafth deserves bigger praise.
The 27-year-old had found time on Tyneside tough - often looking one-paced and out of sorts in the Premier League, and few fans would have been surprised to see him leave this summer.
The lack of faith in him was no more demonstrated than when the news broke that Kieran Trippier was to miss several months of the season after picking up an injury against Aston Villa in February.
The reaction from fans was one of concern that Newcastle did not have the personnel to fill the void - with the transfer window shut, Howe could only rely on Krafth or Javier Manquillo.
Many, this writer included, opted for Manquillo to replace Trippier but Howe surprised many when he chose Krafth.
He would go on to start 12 of the remaining 15 Premier League games.
There was little to suggest Krafth would emerge from the shadows of the previous 18 months as, other than one or two performances including the 1-1 draw against Manchester United in December 2021, there was little to write home about.
Yet Howe had clearly seen something in Krafth and it paid off.
As Krafth revealed earlier this month, Howe had ‘believed in him’ and ‘seen his qualities.’
As with the likes of Joelinton, Schar and winger Ryan Fraser, Howe has unleashed one of his greatest tools when it comes to the Newcastle squad - confidence.
An arm around the shoulder or a word in the ear to perk up the player, Howe’s success rate so far has been nothing short of miraculous - and there will be hope it can work for the likes of Jamal Lewis too.
Of course, the player has to step up and make the most of a second opportunity.
Krafth has done that - working hard, improving technique and showing a fantastic attitude.
He has often referenced the importance ‘of the team’ or working as a part of the squad.
The Swede would not have been unaware of the concerns of filling Trippier’s boots but he did not shrink from the challenge, showing a great mental strength to rise to it.
It is a mentality which underpins this team together - something which will be crucial as the club goes on to build.
An approach which sees players work hard and compete while acknowledging the bigger picture if they don’t get into the XI.
Krafth with Trippier for company at right-back is relishing the challenge.
He said: “That is a good part of it because if you have good competition it means you have to fight for your spot.
“Competing with Tripps is going to be good for me and him that we are going to be there for each other and push each other - that is only a positive thing.”
Krafth’s change in fortune may have come as a surprise for many, but it is just another example of Howe spotting a player’s potential and working it to the benefit of Newcastle United.