Newcastle United's strongest starting line-up based on minutes played this season under Eddie Howe
Who has played the most minutes for Newcastle so far this season?
We’re over halfway through the Premier League season and finally, Newcastle United appear to be finding some consistency.
The Magpies made a sluggish start, but three straight wins have propelled them into sixth, just three points adrift of Liverpool in fourth. Once again, Eddie Howe has had to juggle numerous injury problems, while Champions League, EFL Cup and FA Cup commitments have taken a further toll on the Newcastle squad. To that end, there has been plenty of rotation, but who has featured the most in this busiest of seasons? Below, we’ve named Newcastle’s strongest starting line-up this season based on minutes played in the Premier League.
Goalkeeper: Nick Pope
Minutes: 1,337
Pope was sidelined through injury in late November and December, but he’s won his place back in the starting line-up now ahead of Aaron Ramsdale. The England international is still fourth among Newcastle players for minutes played, while he’s kept the fourth-most clean sheets (6) and averaged 3.04 saves per 90 minutes.
Right-back: Tino Livramento
Minutes: 1,049
Tino Livramento is one of the Premier League’s top full-back talents right now, as highlighted by Manchester City’s interest in him over the summer. The 23-year-old has been frustrated by injuries at points this season, but adds brilliant energy to Newcastle’s right flank when available.
Centre-back: Malick Thiaw
Minutes: 1,489
Newcastle chased Marc Guehi for long spells during the summer before turning their attention to Malick Thiaw. That turned out to be a great decision, with the centre-back second among Newcastle players for minutes played, and first in a number of key defensive metrics, such as clearances (110), shots blocked (14) and aerial duels won (62). Thiaw has also chipped in three goals, with his form strong enough to earn him a recall to the German national team.
Centre-back: Fabian Schar
Minutes: 1,091
In an ideal world, a 34-year-old Fabian Schar wouldn’t be clocking up so many minutes, but more injuries to Sven Botman haven’t helped - not to mention Dan Burn having to cover for Lewis Hall at left-back. Nevertheless, Schar continues to be a reliable force at the back, not to mention accomplished on the ball.
Left-back: Dan Burn
Minutes: 1,258
As mentioned, Burn has often had to cover for Hall at left-back, as well as seeing regular action through the middle. That has resulted in him sitting sixth among Newcastle players for minutes played, despite being 33 years old. Even so, Burn has been reliable enough to keep him in the England picture as the World Cup approaches.
Central midfield: Bruno Guimaraes
Minutes: 1,751
Bruno Guimaraes has played more minutes than any other Newcastle player so far this season and, in truth, he’s been their best player by a distance. The Brazilian has posted team-highs for goals (8) and assists (3), as well as making more tackles (42) than any other player, proving his elite value on both sides of the ball.
Central midfield: Sandro Tonali
Minutes: 1,435
Tonali has featured in all 21 of Newcastle’s league games this season, starting 18 of them. He’s a regular to be withdrawn in the second half, but only because he puts so much effort into each and every single second he’s out on the pitch. Given how busy Newcastle are across all competitions, Tonali would burn out quickly if his minutes weren’t managed.
Central midfield: Joelinton
Minutes: 1,232
Joelinton has had to deal with some thigh and shin injuries this season, as well as a yellow card suspension. But those only go to show how committed he is to the Newcastle cause. The Brazilian has registered two Premier League goals this season.
Right wing: Jacob Murphy
Minutes: 1,015
Anthony Elanga was sidelined for four games with a minor injury, but even when available, he’s failed to justify the massive fee Newcastle paid for him in the summer so far. The often unsung Jacob Murphy continues to see more minutes on the right flank, notching two goals and an assist so far.
Striker: Nick Woltemade
Minutes: 1,270
With Yoane Wissa arriving injured, fellow summer signing Nick Woltemade has almost exclusively held down the No.9 spot. The Germany international has hit a healthy seven goals and two assists so far, but is in the midst of a mini drought right now. With Wissa working back to full fitness, Woltemade will hope to rediscover his golden touch soon.
Left wing: Anthony Gordon
Minutes: 1,011
Anthony Gordon hasn’t quite found full fitness or form this season, with the disrupted winger registering just two goals and an assist so far. That’s way off the standards Gordon has set for himself, but it’s surely just a matter of time until he’s back to his best.
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