Newcastle United strongest starting XI & bench after January as new signing misses out - gallery
Newcastle United’s strongest starting XI and bench following the closure of the January transfer window.
Following the closure of the January transfer window, Newcastle United’s squad for the 2022-23 Premier League campaign is complete.
Having signed Matt Targett, Nick Pope, Sven Botman and Alexander Isak last summer, Eddie Howe further bolstered his squad with the arrivals of Anthony Gordon and Harrison Ashby.
Gordon, a £45million signing from Everton, made his debut against Ashby’s former club West Ham United on Saturday, and certainly caught the eye during his 20-minute cameo.
But how does Gordon’s arrival impact the Magpies’ ‘strongest starting XI’?
Our writer Jordan Cronin has selected his strongest line-up and substitutes, which, by his own admission, includes some very tough and perhaps debatable calls:
1. GK: Nick Pope
There can be no doubting Pope’s position as No.1. In 21 Premier League appearances, he’s conceded just 12 goals and kept the same number of clean sheets. Incredible record.
2. RB: Kieran Trippier
Trippier has played a major role in Newcastle’s remarkable progress over the last 12 months, not just on the pitch, but behind the scenes also.
3. CB: Fabian Schar
Schar had fallen out of favour under the previous head coach but Eddie Howe arrived, the Switzerland international hasn’t looked back. The best £3.5m United have ever spent. Photo: NIGEL RODDIS
4. CB: Sven Botman
In today’s market, the £35m Newcastle paid to sign Botman in the summer looks like a bargain. He’s already earned the title ‘Rolls Royce’ by supporters.