We’re already into the second international break of the season with Newcastle sitting seventh in the Premier League table with 12 points after seven games. The Magpies have also progressed to the last-16 of the Carabao Cup with wins over Nottingham Forest and AFC Wimbledon.
Despite a positive start in terms of results, Newcastle have largely struggled when it comes to performance levels.
Nine games in total is hardly a large sample size but we’ll look at every Newcastle player who has started at least one game so far this season. That rules out Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy, Mark Gillespie, Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, Matt Targett, Alex Murphy, Lewis Miley and Callum Wilson from being considered.
Vlachodimos is the only player of those to have played any first-team minutes this season as he came off the bench and kept a clean sheet in the 1-0 Carabao Cup win against AFC Wimbledon earlier this month. The Greek international has otherwise struggled to get a look in with the 0-0 draw against Everton last time out the only time he has been included as part of Newcastle’s matchday squad in the Premier League so far.
Here are our Newcastle United player ratings from the season so far...
5. Emil Krafth - 6.5
Covered well in Schar's absence with his performance against Tottenham Hotspur a particular highlight. Has since returned to the bench, barring a start in the Carabao Cup v Wimbledon. | Getty Images
6. Lewis Hall - 7.5
Continuing to progress well at the club. Has had some excellent displays at left-back so far this season. While he still has work to do defensively, Lewis Hall has arguably secured his spot as Newcastle's starting left-back. | Getty Images
7. Tino Livramento - 6
Started the season at right-back but lost his place to Kieran Trippier. Hasn't quite found the impressive form he showed last season but has managed to earn two England call-ups and is set for a run in the side. | Getty Images
8. Lloyd Kelly - 6
Another mixed bag defensively. Put in an impressive performance against Spurs and helped see out the win against Southampton on the opening day. Has had a limited impact so far as he is not first choice in the centre-back or left-back positions. | Getty Images