Newcastle United are currently in Dublin as they continue their preparations for the return to the Premier League.
As the squad flew out, the club made an official announcement regarding who would be taking part and who would be left at home.
Let’s look at five major talking points of the training camp squad:
1. Is the omission Krul on Tim?
One player who has not travelled to Ireland is long serving goalkeeper and adopted Geordie, Tim Krul. Having returned from loan spells with Ajax and AZ Alkmaar, there may have been an expectancy that he would have his chance to take back his number one jersey. However, having been left behind, the Netherlands international will be considering his options. It is clear with the interest in Pepe Reina of Napoli and Willy Callabero, now of Chelsea, that Rafa Benitez is looking for a proven Premier League goalkeeper to trust between the sticks this season. The interesting question has to be, should Rafa be looking closer to home?
2. Henri Saivet
The Senegalese midfielder was apparently one of Graham Carr’s signings and being labelled in that group often comes with very negative connotations. The case of Henri Saivet is a strange one, as he was very highly rated whilst at Bordeaux, which is perhaps why Christophe Galtier took him back to France on loan last season. However, in recent weeks, Galtier has spoken in the press and was incredibly critical of Saivet’s attitude and performances, questioning his hunger for the game. Now back at Newcastle for pre-season and at the training camp in Ireland, is Rafa planning to give the player one last chance? It would make sense, as at Newcastle there isn’t great depth in central midfield. One to watch.
3. Chance for the youth
Benitez has also opted to take local lad Callum Roberts and skilful Spaniard Victor Fernandez to Ireland, as he ponders the short term futures of many of Newcastle’s rising stars. Adam Armstrong has already left on a loan deal to Bolton, while Alex Gilliead has returned to Bradford and many more are expected to follow. It may perhaps come as a shock that players like Stuart Findlay, Yasin Ben El-Mhanni, Dan Barlaser and Ivan Toney haven’t been provided a first team opportunity given their performances in the U23’s last season, as well as their first team run outs in the cup. There is no doubt that there are a number of big talents coming through on Tyneside, but they need their chance to shine.
4. Achraaf Lazaar
The curious case of Achraaf Lazaar is one that many NUFC fans don’t understand. In choosing to sign for Newcastle, a team at the time in the Championship, it is believed he turned down a move to Napoli, a club competing in European competition season after season. However, Rafa has used Lazaar very sparingly. The Moroccan has had very little game time and only managed a couple of starts in his first season. He was also left at home this week which would lead many to believe he is one who will be sold. Given his good reputation in Italy, it would not be a surprise to many to see him return to Serie A. The lack of game time for Lazaar may also be down to another factor, he may not have been Rafa’s signing, and perhaps another of Graham Carr’s recommendation.
5. It’s not over yet for Siem
Siem de Jong is a brilliant player. He is technically outstanding, he has great vision and is a good finisher. It is just a shame that Newcastle fans are yet to see that. Fans were excited when de Jong signed, having watched the forward bully Manchester City defenders in the Champions League at his former club, Ajax. However, a string of unfortunate injuries have stopped de Jong having the same impact in the black and white stripes. The Dutchman also speaks very highly of NUFC, and his desire to be a success at the club, but many would wonder if it is too late. After a successful season with PSV and a return to the Dutch international set up, will this season be the year that de Jong shows everybody at Newcastle exactly why he was bought?
