Newcastle United have had one of the most intriguing transfer windows in the club’s history. With the signings of Georginio Wijnaldum from PSV Eindhoven and Aleksandar Mitrovic from RSC Anderlecht, Newcastle have already recorded their 3rd and 4th most expensive transfers of all time.
The Magpies have already paid over £25million for the aforementioned duo and are on the brink of a £7million move for DR Congo international Chancel Mbemba, subject to a work permit (Hearing with the FA to begin application process is on Thursday).
With the new arrivals, and some players Newcastle have been heavily linked with, this article will attempt to identify some potentially lethal line-ups for Steve McClaren to consider next campaign. Hopefully Mike Ashley continues to allow more spending on recruitment so the names below aren’t so unrealistic.
4-3-3
First up, an aggressive 4-3-3 could be exactly what the doctor ordered for the Geordie faithful, who haven’t witnessed attacking football at St James’ Park (by a team in black & white) for a number of years.
In this formation, Mitrovic or potentially QPR striker Charlie Austin – who has been heavily linked with an eight figure move to Tyneside this window – would start as the lone striker, as they are both potent finishers with strength in the box.
On the left-hand side, young Rolando Aarons is likely to star after returning from injury. The only left winger linked with a move to Tyneside is Florian Thauvin, though it seems Newcastle have cooled their interest in the 22-year-old after he reiterated his desire to remain at Marseille.
On the right wing, priority should be given to Remy Cabella – the club’s marquee signing from last summer – who endured a torrid debut season in the Premier League, but perhaps a more stable coaching staff can reclaim the form that earned him his £12million move to Newcastle and a spot in the French squad at last summer’s World Cup.
On the bench, Emmanuel Riviere and Papiss Cisse would pose as adequate back-up to Mitrovic/Austin, while Ayoze Perez can provide cover for all three attacking positions. Gabriel Obertan and Yoan Gouffran would be second choice wingers (if they remain at the club), and finally young Adam Armstrong would ideally head out on loan to better demonstrate his great potential while receiving first team football, likely in the championship.
Utilising three central midfielders would be an excellent idea for the Magpies regardless of what happens in the remainder of the window, as it is the position with the best depth in the entire squad. The club would utilise two box-to-box midfielders to rampage up and down the pitch, while the third player adopts a deeper, more defensive role. Gini Wijnaldum, Moussa Sissoko and Siem deeding would be the more attacking minded midfielders, with Vurnon Anita, Cheick Tiote and Jack Colback competing for the defensive spot. These spots appear to be set, with only the exits of Newcastle’s own central midfielders being linked, such as Mehdi Abeid, who reportedly emerged as a target for Lille and Montpellier.
Finally, the back five [goalkeeper and defenders]. Goalkeeper will be down to the incumbent Tim Krul and ex-Nottingham Forest man Karl Darlow, with the former likely to remain between the sticks. Daryl Janmaat will be uncontested at right-back – starting every time he is fit. The first choice left-back seems to be Massadio Haidara, though he will face stiff competition from Paul Dummett.
The main talking point in defence is also the club’s biggest weakness – centre back. Jamaal Lascelles and Chancel Mbemba are welcome additions and will be fighting to get into the starting line-up, as well as Steven Taylor. Their wish may be granted too, with Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson reportedly closing in on an exit. Though, should Coloccini remain, he will surely be the first centre back on the team-sheet.
Coloccini would likely head back to his home country of Argentina, while Williamson has been linked with a move to Championship side Leeds United during the window.
The majority of players remain the same despite formation changes, so I will quickly run through the slight differences in two more formations.
4-2-3-1
With no differences in the single striker (Mitrovic/Austin) or the back four and keeper, the sole changes are in midfield. I believe Siem de Jong would be the central attacking midfielder, with Perez, Aarons, Cabella and possibly Sissoko competing for the wide attacking midfield roles. Wijnaldum would oppertate as a box-to-box deeper midfielder, while once again Colback, Tiote, and Anita would partner as a defensive midfielder, who would help the squad build from the back.
4-1-2-1-2
As I have mentioned in a previous article, McClaren deployed this formation at his previous club, Derby County. It includes two strikers, a defensive midfielder, two central midfielders, and an attacking midfielder. Once again this would take advantage of the plethora of talent in central midfield for the Magpies.
The defenders and goalkeeper situation once again do not change, while the three defensive midfielders also continue to compete for the sole defensive midfield spot. The central roles would ideally be occupied by Wijnaldum, Sissoko or Abeid, allowing them to pick up the ball deep and rush forward. Attacking midfield will be De Jong again, allowing him to take advantage of his creativity, with Cabella on the bench as back-up.
Finally, this is the only formation I have suggested that feature multiple strikers. In this case, I would utilize one of Austin/Mitrovic to give the formation power and finishing in the box. The other spot would belong to Ayoze Perez. Combining the larger strikers with the quick, creative genius that is Perez could prove to be a lethal combination.
