BBC pundit believes Newcastle United midfield is badly lacking one key quality
Newcastle United have one of the strongest midfields in the Premier League, but are missing one key quality according to a BBC pundit.
Newcastle United’s midfield trio is not capable of bringing the required intensity every three or four days.
That’s the view of former Chelsea, Everton and Scotland winger Pat Nevin, who has been analysing the Magpies’ engine room off the back of their 2-1 defeat in Marseille and ahead of their trip to Hill Dickinson Stadium this weekend. Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton form a triumvirate which is the envy of the vast majority of the Premier League, with each offering their own brand of technical ability, attacking output, defensive solidity and work rate.
Pat Nevin: Newcastle midfield not consistent enough
Despite the trio’s quality, Nevin is sceptical that they can offer enough consistency of performance to help Newcastle compete on all fronts - especially given they once again have Champions League demands to juggle this season.
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"When Newcastle's midfield works brilliantly, they can bully anyone and are absolutely phenomenal," Nevin told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast. "Tonali is a fantastic player, a monster in midfield, Guimaraes has great skills, and you have the Joelinton power.
"They were brilliant against Manchester City, but I don't think those three have it in them to do that every three or four days. "That's basically the truth of it. They are very fine and strong players, but can they do it to that level every three or four days? No."
Can Joe Willock take pressure off Guimaraes, Tonali and Joelinton?
While Newcastle’s starting midfielders have high demands placed upon them, Howe could be boosted by the return to form and fitness of Joe Willock. The former Arsenal man has suffered numerous injuries during his time at St. James’ Park, but started for the first time in almost a month against Marseille on Tuesday - lasting 72 minutes.
Willock created three chances and attempted five shots in a dynamic performance that allowed Joelinton a full rest, while also drawing praise from Howe despite the defeat.
"Joe was excellent actually. We picked him because of a few different things. How he has trained firstly, he has good energy and has produced high level. His attitude has been excellent. He has been out of the team, but he has focused on trying to impress,” Howe said on Friday.
"I think that's his best performance since his injury. I always say when players get serious injuries it can take you a while to get your rhythm back. He showed he felt physically good, which is key for him. "I was really pleased for him personally because it has been a long road and hopefully we can keep him at that level."
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