Newcastle United fans here in the Transfer Tavern grow in concern over the recent news of an injury to one of their star performers.
Rafa Benitez has set the Toon Army up for an impressive start to the season, as they sit proudly just inside the top half of proceedings. Looking to build on this momentum to take them right through to the January transfer window, where hopefully they’ll be able to enjoy some more investment.
However, in their last match, they faced a tricky trip away to face the inform Burnley at Turf Moor. Coming off the back of a win against Palace had let to the players being in fine confidence heading into kick off, but this wasn’t the case after the game, as it slowly diminished.
They endured a tough 1-0 defeat in what was a fairly even game after a late winner downed the Toon, much to the dismay of the punters here clad in black and white.
The loss wasn’t the only problem for Newcastle, as one of their inform players, Mikel Merino, who missed the game as he underwent an injury assessment on his back. This was a huge blow for the Tyneside club, as a player who has been so influential and found himself on the goal scoring sheet in recent games had to sit out on the sidelines.
Still, if you’re going to be a successful team and provide consistent results, then you need to have the depth and quality to replace unfortunate situations such as this one.
So, with some important games on the horizon, it looks vital that Newcastle can utilize squad depth and consistency in performance in what will be a tough few weeks.
Here’s a look at 2 players that will need to step up in Merino’s absence…
Mohamed Diame
The Senegalese international has been very much on the fringes of the side so far this season, as he tries to find a way in.
The tall midfield dominator was pivotal in the sides rise to the Premier League, but has had limited chances so far. Still, with the recent news of the Merino injury, Benitez opted to give the central midfielder a chance and he started against Burnley.
Having to fill a big void, it was important that the anchorman performed to the highest level, though was dispossessed too easily and remained largely anonymous.
On his day he can cause any midfielder or defender absolute nightmares as his strength and long legs glide past his opponents, while offering a deathly aerial threat.
Isaac Hayden
The former Arsenal youngster was always a promising prospect for the London based side and has continued this on Tyneside. After producing consistently high-quality performances over the past couple of seasons, he’s become a vital player for the Toon.
Benitez so far this season has been a manager who’s grown very fond of the rotation system, constantly rotating Hayden, Merino, Shelvey and now Diame as games go on.
But with Merino now out of the rotation, there is added pressure on the young star to step up and perform to the highest order.
Now with some important games on the horizon, he will probably be the preferred choice over Diame. However, he needs to find that extra level to match the start made by Merino, having made 8 appearances for the side so far this season with a goal in his last start for the side at St Mary’s.
So Newcastle fans, how vital is it that these two men can step up?
