In a very successful season, the squad led by coach Eddie Howe earned a fourth place finish that grants access to the Champions League Group Stage. With an interesting squad, several Newcastle players stood out. To understand their impact to the team, we present the average ratings of the players in a Back 4, the type of defense used for almost the whole season. In addition, this players must meet the necessary minutes requirement to be considered (minimum 450 minutes played in the season in a type of predefined defense: Back 4 or Back 5).
Newcastle’s eleven with the most minutes played this season.
Star Player:
- K. Trippier (FB) – 7.72
With the clear highest average rating in this squad, Newcastle’s FB – Trippier – was one of the main reasons for the positive season achieved. The enormous consistency in the defensive process and the great final third passing made Trippier the key piece to this Newcastle team.
Other Key Players:
- B. Guimarães (M) – 7.69
- Joelinton (M) – 7.38
- A. Isak (CF & W) – 7.24 & 7.14
With a lot of players having great seasons, we need emphasise the high average rating obtained by A. Isak in two different positions: Centre-Foward and Winger.
Additional information regarding the team.
With more positive results at home than away (11 Home Wins & 8 Away Wins), it is possible to consider Newcastle a stronger team at home. The positive goal difference highlights the great defense showned by this team (0,87 goals per game) and a solid offensive setup (1,79 goals per game).
Positions most in need of strengthening:
- FB & M
Looking at the most used players, we can see that Newcastle should buy solid players for the Left-Back and Defensive-Midfield position. In the second plan, Newcastle need to reinforce the squad with quality backups to be able to compete in the Champions League.
Meaning of the used abbreviations:
- G – Games
- W – Wins
- D – Draws
- L – Loses
- P – Points
- GS – Goals Scored
- GA – Goals Against
- GD – Goal Diference
- HW – Home Wins
- AW – Away Wins
Data from FBref.
