Newcastle have shown a frustrating lack of ambition so far in the summer Transfer window.
Supporters of the Tyneside club will be left looking enviously at the business of other clubs. However, they have made some positive steps.
The club haven’t spent large sums on a player, but they have arguably made some smart additions. Brazilian midfielder Kenedy has returned to St. James’ Park on a season-long loan deal, after impressing in his spell at the Magpies last season.
Highly rated Slovakia goalkeeper Martin Dubravka has also joined, along with relegated Swansea City player and South Korea captain Ki Sung-yueng, who joins on a free transfer.
Rafa Benitez has shown his ability to do wonders on a tight budget before. Just last season, he guided the Magpies to a top half finish despite having very little to spend.
A key area for Newcastle next season is going to their midfield. A good amount of energy and creativity in the middle of the park would do wonders for the club in achieving more positive results next season. Benitez has set the bar relatively high after last season’s Premier League finish.
With that in mind, here is the perfect ‘Engine Room’ for Newcastle’s opening fixture against Spurs…
Jonjo Shelvey was in fantastic form last season. So much so that there were several calls for him to be included in Gareth Southgate’s England set up for the Russia World Cup.
Shelvey is a perfect player in the Newcastle engine room. His range of passing can match anyone’s in the Premier League, and his ability to spray the ball around is vital for the Magpies, as he really keeps the team ticking over.
He averages 46 passes per match, one of the highest in the Premier League. Without his energy and passing, Newcastle’s midfield would take a massive hit.
Matt Ritchie is a top talent in the Premier League.
Ritchie has been linked with a move away from the North East to join Stoke City. Newcastle United should do everything to keep hold of the midfielder. He is a great link between defence and attack, with good energy. Letting him go to a Championship side would show a lack of ambition from the club.
He made five Premier League assists last season, and 48 accurate long balls. Ritchie would not be at all easy to replace, and is in his prime at 28. The club should start the midfielder for the opening game against Spurs.
Clement Grenier has once again been linked with the Magpies.
The attacking midfielder has had some injury hit seasons, but he would add goals from attacking midfield. Currently at Guingamp, Benitez should swoop for the playmaker.
His goal scoring record from midfield will excite Newcastle supporters, he netted five in just fifteen Ligue 1 appearances for Guingamp last term. In the past, he has also been a regular with French giants Lyon.
With Matt Ritchie and Jonjo Shelvey in behind him, the 27-year-old Frenchman would look really dangerous breaking forward.
