Newcastle United's WhoScored best XI of the season with deadline day close
Newcastle United have been pushing their squad to its limits as they fight in all four possible competitions heading into February.
Newcastle United have found it hard to find consistency in their Premier League form this season as they have missed key players due to injury and look to find the right balance in their play under Eddie Howe.
But despite that, they are still fighting for Champions League places in the league, guaranteed at least a spot in the play-offs of the European competition, into the fourth round of the FA Cup and are in the Carabao Cup semi-final.
Many Newcastle fans will be disappointed at sitting in 9th at this stage of the season but the league is so tight that they are only a few points away from the European places and another season in the Champions League. Here, we look at the highest-rated Newcastle players this season by WhoScored.
1. Bruno Guimaraes
The Newcastle captain is one of the team’s most crucial players, and it is no surprise to see him sitting at the top of the rankings. When he is missing, the whole side takes a dip and keeping him fit is pivotal for Howe for the remainder of the season.
2. Malick Thiaw
One of the most underrated pieces of business in the Premier League last summer. Malick Thiaw has performed admirably as Newcastle have had to chop and change their defensive unit throughout the season due to injuries.
3. Lewis Hall
Everyone at St James’ Park knows how good the young full-back is, and if he continues playing the way he is, then he will be a shoo-in for Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad in the summer.
4. Nick Pope
One of the first players who might raise some eyebrows on this list, Nick Pope has had to deal with being dropped after mistakes this season, but he has made some crucial saves in games and has been restored between the sticks by Howe.
5. Joelinton
Joelinton has continued to feature heavily and his importance in midfield has not diminished. Hopefully, his injury in the defeat to Aston Villa on the weekend doesn’t keep him out for too long.
6. Fabian Schar
Another one of Newcastle’s more underrated players. His solid work at the back goes unnoticed by those outside of the black and white bubble but he is going to be sorely missed after having surgery for an ankle injury earlier this month.
7. Lewis Miley
Lewis Miley has really stepped up over the last few months. As injuries continue to hurt this team, Miley has been asked to fill in at full-back and he has not looked out of place at all.
8. Tino Livramento
Another defender Newcastle fans love to see bursting up and down the side of the pitch, but again, another player who is out now with an injury.
9. Nick Woltemade
The big-money striker signing has done well this season, especially compared to some of the other strikers clubs have brought in across the league, but he had big shoes to fill with Alexander Isak's departure. There is room to grow, however nine goals and assists in the league is a respectable return for his first half season in England.
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10. Dan Burn
Dan Burn never disappoints at the back, and Howe will be breathing a sigh of relief that he returned from injury this weekend and made the squad.
11. Kieran Trippier
His best days might be behind him and younger players might be better suited for the football Newcastle want to play, but his experience still shines through for this team.