Newcastle United player ratings: One 9/10 as Magpies stars ‘looks sharp’ during Athletic Bilbao win
Newcastle United player ratings from the 2-1 win over La Liga side Athletic Bilbao at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United ended their preparations for the new Premier League season with a 2-1 victory over Athletic Bilbao.
Callum Wilson opened the scoring for the Magpies just six minutes before Allan Saint-Maximin doubled his side’s advantage on 54 minutes.
From then on however, Eddie Howe’s side began to tire and Bilbao reduced the arrears just after the hour mark through Raul Garcia’s header.
Martin Dubravka made a number of standout saves to keep the La Liga side out and allow United to see out their second victory in less than 24 hours.
Our writer Jordan Cronin was at St James’ Park, and here’s how he rated each Newcastle player:
1. Martin Dubravka - 9
Kept busy in the second-half as Newcastle began to tire due to Athletic’s fresh legs off the bench. Made a number of standout saves.
2. Emil Krafth - 7
Showed his pace throughout. Constantly overlapped Ritchie and made a couple of impressive recovery runs. Photo: Gualter Fatia
3. Jamaal Lascelles - 7
Terrific defending on 60 minutes to clear a Bilbao chip off the line but was breached by a Raul Garcia not long after.
4. Sven Botman - 8
Didn’t put a foot wrong all afternoon. Showed all sides to his game. Strong, physical, calm of possession and read the game ever so well. Photo: Gualter Fatia