Newcastle’s Midfield: The Most Challenging Opponent for Premier League Teams

Newcastle United is experiencing a resurgence, showcasing a level of performance that defies their previous struggles. After a disappointing 2023-24 season where injuries and squad depth hindered their efforts in European competitions, they have turned a corner. Eddie Howe’s squad is not only back in form but appears to be stronger than ever, with a series of impressive results. As they climbed from the bottom half of the Premier League table, their recent run of nine consecutive victories across multiple competitions has reignited hopes for a coveted top-four finish and a potential end to their 55-year trophy drought, last marked by the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup win in 1968-69.

Despite a setback with a recent 4-1 home loss to Bournemouth, optimism remains that this is merely a minor setback. However, the upcoming February fixtures pose a significant challenge, as Newcastle faces a grueling schedule, including the second leg of the EFL Cup semi-final against Arsenal and crucial Premier League matches against top-four contenders like Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester City. Additionally, Fulham, who have been particularly troublesome for top teams this season, are another opponent to watch, having previously taken points off Newcastle back in September.

The driving force behind Newcastle’s recent success can be attributed to their midfield dynamism, particularly the standout performances of Alexander Isak, who has garnered attention with his remarkable scoring streak. Isak has netted 17 goals this season, including an impressive run of scoring in eight consecutive matches during December and January, a feat accomplished by only two players in Premier League history.

However, the true engine of Newcastle’s midfield success lies in Howe’s strategic positional changes, which have yielded remarkable results. Sandro Tonali, who faced a challenging start to his career in England due to a 10-month ban for breaching football’s betting regulations, has finally begun to settle into his role. Following his £55 million transfer from AC Milan in the summer of 2023, his initial performances as a right-sided number eight lacked cohesion, resulting in a lack of fluidity in the team’s attacking play. In his first three starts, Newcastle managed only one goal, which was a penalty, and suffered a defeat to Chelsea, highlighting the need for a tactical shift.

The turning point came when Tonali was given a chance to play as the deepest midfielder in the EFL Cup against Chelsea, where he excelled in a 2-0 victory. This prompted Howe to experiment further with Tonali’s positioning in league play, eventually leading to an eye-opening 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace. Although Newcastle struggled for shots in that match, the subsequent performances—including a thrilling 3-3 draw against Liverpool—convinced Howe to stick with the new formation.

Howe acknowledged the positive impact of the positional changes, stating, “We’re seeing Bruno in a different position, and I thought he played well. Sandro has been excellent in the last two games as a six, and there’s real competition for places. But [along with Joelinton] it’s three outstanding players we need to get the best of.” The objective has always been to harness the talents of all three midfielders, and the team’s recent form suggests that Howe has discovered a winning formula that maximizes their potential.

The trio of Tonali, Guimarães, and Joelinton has emerged as a formidable midfield force, arguably ranking among the best in the Premier League today. While they may not possess the finesse of Arsenal’s trio or the technical skill of Chelsea’s midfielders, their combination of physicality and skill renders them exceptionally challenging for opponents. In particular, their physical presence is noteworthy; Guimarães has drawn 78 fouls this season, which is significantly higher than any other player in the league.

Joelinton also ranks high in the league for fouls committed, with a total of 44, while showcasing his aerial prowess by winning 41 duels, making him one of the most effective midfielders in that regard. The statistics highlight the relentless nature of Newcastle’s midfield, as Tonali consistently covers a remarkable distance on the pitch, averaging 12.2 km per match, second only to Dejan Kulusevski.

Moreover, Tonali leads Newcastle in possession recoveries, averaging 6.6 per 90 minutes. The combination of Joelinton’s aerial dominance, Tonali’s relentless ball recovery, and Guimarães’ ability to win fouls makes facing this midfield trio a frustrating experience for opponents. With a league-high total of 65 yellow cards received by their opponents, it’s clear that Newcastle knows how to assert their physicality.

The balance and synergy in Newcastle’s midfield unit are particularly impressive, especially considering the uncertainties surrounding the compatibility of this trio just a few months ago. All three players excel at winning the ball back and thrive in moments out of possession. Newcastle’s playing style, which averages only 51.4% possession this season, allows them to spring quick attacks when they regain control of the ball. They have recorded 122 shots in transition, ranking them among the top teams in the league.

Joelinton’s background as a former center-forward adds an attacking dimension to the midfield, contributing four Premier League goals this season. Meanwhile, Guimarães has transformed into a significant offensive threat, registering nine goal involvements (two goals, seven assists) in his last 12 matches, a stark contrast to his earlier performances in a deeper role.

Tonali has also showcased his attacking capabilities, recently scoring in a 3-1 victory against Southampton, which highlighted the fluidity and adaptability Howe desires from his midfield. This freedom to switch roles is a critical aspect of their effectiveness against opponents.

Howe emphasizes the importance of “freedom within a structure,” stating, “You can give players too much freedom and it becomes a mess. We have always worked really hard on freedom within a structure.” Joelinton, Guimarães, and Tonali have mastered this balance, maximizing their collective strengths and creating constant challenges for opposing teams.

While facing Newcastle’s midfield may not be as tactically demanding as playing against Manchester City, the physicality they bring presents a unique and formidable challenge. For any team in the Premier League, going up against this trio is among the toughest assignments imaginable. With their current form, Newcastle has every chance of achieving remarkable success in the 2024-25 season, potentially ending their lengthy trophy drought.

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