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:
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.
5. LB: Dan Burn
When Botman arrived in the summer, many questioned what that meant for Burn, and the Blyth-born defender has slotted in well at left-back.
6. CM: Bruno Guimaraes
Bruno’s importance to this Newcastle team is personified when they’re without him. Four games the Brazilian has missed this season, and Howe’s side have failed to win any.
7. CM: Sean Longstaff
Longstaff’s physical attributes is key to how Howe wants United to play. If he can just improve on his finishing, his game will be elevated. Photo: Stu Forster
8. CM: Joelinton
Joelinton has performed well as a left forward in recent weeks but a switch to central midfield last season is what has epitomised the Brazilian’s incredible turnaround.