Newcastle supporters in the Transfer Tavern are full of confidence as their side make a hard fought start to the Premier League season.
For a club with the history that surrounds Newcastle United Football Club, many believe that this is where they belong, in the big time.
However, in recent times, this is something that the great football club has struggled to do. After getting relegated with some side last year, Benitez had to make a few adjustments bringing in fresh new signings and a change in style of play with the hope of curing any Premier League hangover.
After speaking to a few punters in the Tavern they believe that Mike Ashley is a part of the slump in progress of recent times as his lack of willingness to spend has got Benitez and the fans doubting his ambition.
During the summer transfer window, the Toon Army welcomed 5 new first team signings, winger Christian Atsu who spent last year on loan at the club, striker Joselu, defender Florian Lejeune, Javier Manquillo and starlet Jacob Murphy.
Although the experienced Spanish manager felt hard done by due to the lack of funding, he believed that these were the players that could give the fans the results they wanted and most importantly could do the job for him.
With the Newcastle fanatics here at the Tavern letting off a more optimistic vibe prior to the season, recent results have boosted the confidence as the side seem to have brought some resurgence back to Tyneside.
They see their side sit in a respectable 9th place with 7 games played, hoping that this fine form is long to continue.
This is what is believed to be the side that can provide success for the fans moving forward…
GK: Rob Elliot
For a man that only cost Newcastle £150,000 from Charlton Athletic back in 2011, he’s certainly come into his own this season in the Premier League.
As he establishes his place as Newcastle’s number 1, the 31-year-old gloveman provides Newcastle with great experience in the Premier League.
Criminally underrated.
RB: Deandre Yedlin
The ex-Spurs defender was one tipped for the future but didn’t seem to find his feet at White Hart Lane, amid the presence of Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier.
However, he’s impressed at Newcastle as he offers a more diverse ability with electrifying pace down the right-hand side with the ability to cross the ball.
That quality, with such accuracy, suits the Benitez style of play with more aerial players such as Joselu in the team.
CB: Jamaal Lascelles
Every side needs that leader and captain, that’s where this man steps in. Jamaal Lascelles, at the young age of 23, has already worked his way up to the role of club captain.
In the short time he’s been with the club, he has already managed to display his key qualities and leadership skills as he looks to provide solidity to the United backline.
CB: Ciaran Clark
As the Irishman displays in his picture above, of course he’s going to be in the starting 11.
Ciaran Clark may not be many fans favorite, but the one thing that’s important at times in the Premier League is experience and this man has that.
The ever-dependable ball playing defender offers the strength and aggression needed to be successful at this level which many of his peers can learn from.
LB: Javier Manquillo
The former Liverpool man, who has experience in the Premier League, offers Newcastle a different dimension going forward with his most established attribute being his pace.
For a side that’s only let in the same amount of goals as Chelsea this season, he’s been pretty effective on the defensive front as it looks like this man is set to continue to claim his place.
Not a celerbrated signing, but a sensible one.
CM: Jonjo Shelvey
Jonjo Shelvey, the man many people believe to have seen in films such as Harry Potter.
All joking aside, this man has a wonderful eye for a pass, with his range being endless.
With experience at teams such as Liverpool, this man is vital in the build-up and creativity of the side going forward as he continues to run the middle of the park.
Shelvey is many fans favourite, as well as having skills in abundance he also has an eye for goal as he often rocks up with a wonder strike from time to time. So it only seems right to allow him to continue to work his magic.
CM: Mo Diame
In previous years, Newcastle have put their failings down to lack of power in some areas and Diame has been a player who has always performed well in that regard.
The Senegalese giant patrols the midfield at ease as he enjoys getting on the ball and playing the simple game, as well as offering an attacking route forward as he often comes up with important goals in times of need.
Therefore, if the Toon are to continue this fine start to the season they’ve got to give this man a chance to produce the performances of previous seasons.
RM: Matt Ritchie
The tricky winger is arguably one of Newcastle’s most exciting prospects going forward. The Scotland international brings a range of tricks of the trade down the right-hand side, offering quality service from set pieces and crossing areas, as well as popping up with a goal now and then.
The 28-year-old, who impressed in the Premier League previously at Bournemouth, has become one of the first names on the team sheet at St. James’ Park, as he continues to grind out performances week in week out.
CAM: Ayoze Perez
Heading into his 4th season with the club, the talented Spanish playmaker has always been nailed on for a starting place. What he lacks in size he certainly makes up for in both skill and dribbling abilities, as many defenders find themselves in a tangle trying to defend this guy.
The striker has netted 22 times in 112 games as he continues to impress, this may not be the best of returns but of recent seasons he’s taken up more of a creative role in behind the striker and will continue to see to this under Benitez.
LM: Christian Atsu
Atsu spent last season on loan at Newcastle before making the switch this summer to Tyneside after impressing.
The Ghanaian international has continued to impress of late, with 1 assist and 1 goal in 5 appearances so far this season. With trickery and pace on overload, there’re no signs of this man slowing up this season.
ST: Joselu
A player formerly of Real Madrid, Joselu is the type of striker Benitez would pick in his team on any day.
Standing tall at 6ft 3 inches he offers a real dynamic form of attack, being able to pose as an aerial threat in the final third as well as being able to get the ball down and play. The former Spanish U21 International has bagged 2 goals in 6 games so far this season which isn’t a bad return for the club.
Having formerly set up a team with Crouch up top at Liverpool, no wonder Benitez fancies this man at Newcastle.
Newcastle fans, can you see this team getting you to where you want to be this season?
