Our “State of the Squad” series is coming to an end, and today we will look at our Centre-Forwards situation, how they did last season and what we can expect from the position for this coming season.
Newcastle United started the 2015/16 season with his long time number 9 Papiss Cisse, new signing Aleksandar Mitrovic, talented spaniard Ayoze Perez, frenchman Emmanuel Riviere and youngsters Adam Armstrong and Ivan Toney as their options. Cisse was the starter in the first few games, but with few goals and again struggling with minor injuries, Mitrovic had his chances, despite clearly needing some time to adapt to the english style of play. Ayoze played a lot too, and his partnership with Mitrovic was one of the few bright spots in a difficult first half of the season for the Magpies. Riviere also struggled with injuries, but when healthy never impressed. Armstrong and Toney were sent on loans to get more playing time.
Needing more help up front, the club loaned-in long time target, Seydou Doumbia, but this move was a total disaster, with Doumbia having troubles to get fit and find some playing time. He couldn’t add anything to the squad.
After Rafa took control of the team, Cisse had the majority of the starts again, with Mitrovic being used as some type of “super-sub”, sometimes taking advantage of it. Ayoze was more used this way too, but playing out wide or in the number 10 role in the majority of the times. Those 3 had their moments, but their lack of consistency really hurt Newcastle chances of staying in the Premier League.
Now, with the Championship just ready to start, let’s give a look at the Centre-Forwards available in the squad.
