Howe took charge of Newcastle back in November with the club deep in relegation trouble. While the side are by no means out of it just yet, they have moved four points clear of the relegation zone with wins over Leeds United, Everton and Aston Villa.
The side are now looking to make it four wins in a row as they travel to The London Stadium to face West Ham United on Saturday (12:30pm kick-off).
After a slow start, Newcastle's results have finally improved under Howe – as have the majority player’s performances.
But who has improved the most under the new Magpies boss? We’ve looked at the Shields Gazette average player ratings from before Howe was appointed and looked at how each individual’s form has improved or dropped since Howe’s arrival.
The 44-year-old has now taken charge of 13 matches in all competitions at Newcastle. Steve Bruce took charge of the opening nine matches before Graeme Jones filled in for an interim period of three matches.
The following players have not been included in the ranking due to them not earning sufficient player ratings both before and after Howe’s arrival this season: Freddie Woodman, Jeff Hendrick, Dwight Gayle, Martin Dubravka, Jamal Lewis, Paul Dummett, Federico Fernandez, Karl Darlow, Kieran Trippier, Chris Wood, Bruno Guimaraes, Matt Targett and Dan Burn.
Here is every player ranked based on least to most improved under Howe…
A message from the Football Clubs Editor
Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Newcastle United coverage 365 days a year.
This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription; sign up here.
Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor
13. Joe Willock: +0.6
The midfielder has struggled since signing permanently but his performances have improved considerably since he came back into the side against Leeds United. Average rating before Howe: 5.4 | Average rating under Howe: 6 Photo: Stu Forster
14. Joelinton: +0.615
Surprisingly low on this list as a lot of people would have him as the most improved player under Howe following his change of position. He does have the highest average rating of any player under Howe (excluding January signings) but his solid form prior to Howe's arrival means his improvement in player rating isn't quite as significant as a few others. Average rating before Howe: 6 | Average rating under Howe: 6.615 Photo: Ian MacNicol
15. Fabian Schar: +0.833
The Swiss international has been a regular in defence since Howe's arrival and is the only defender to have played in all three matches in which Newcastle have kept a clean sheet this season. Average rating before Howe: 5.5 | Average rating under Howe: 6.333 Photo: Stu Forster
16. Jonjo Shelvey: +1.583
Shelvey had a dismal start to the season under Steve Bruce but has been rejuvenated under Howe and has been a key part of Newcastle's midfield in recent months with his rating improving by a huge 1.583. Average rating before Howe: 4.75 | Average rating under Howe: 6.333 Photo: OLI SCARFF