Team Focus: Solid Midfield Additions Outline Newcastle's Survival Strategy

Tuesday night’s 3-3 draw between Newcastle and Manchester United was as unexpected as it was entertaining. Given the pairing’s goalscoring woes of late, a six-goal thriller took all those involved completely by surprise. Some have gone as far to say it was the game of the season so far given the shock of the result. The stalemate may have posed more questions than answers, but it provided a welcome reprieve for United supporters keen on witnessing a more exciting brand of football. 

For Newcastle, meanwhile, a draw brought to an end a three-game losing streak, with Paul Dummett’s late equaliser sending the home support into a moment of unbridled glee. Nevertheless, questions remained over the quality of the midfield. Jack Colback and Cheick Tiote both underwhelmed in the middle of the park, failing to provide the necessary protection to the back four. United cut through the pairing with consummate ease at times over the 90 minutes, though it’s clear manager Steve McClaren identified this as a problem area that needed strengthening. 

Earlier this week, Newcastle confirmed the arrival of Henri Saivet from Bordeaux, with the midfielder setting the club back a reported £4m. The Magpies later announced the capture of Jonjo Shelvey from Premier League and relegation rivals Swansea City on Tuesday as McClaren goes about his business bolstering the midfield. While there is work still to be done ensuring the squad is capable of staving off relegation, the welcome of Saivet and Shelvey sends a strong statement out to their rivals. 

Saivet’s signing provides the necessary solidity required to help ease the pressure on the Newcastle defence. Only two midfielders have made more tackles (66) than the Frenchman in Ligue 1 this season, not bad for an attack minded player converted into a ball winning midfielder. An average of 3.8 tackles per league game is better than any Newcastle player this season, with his doggedness in the middle of the park set to be a welcome asset to McClaren. His defensive contribution will further aid a Magpies outfit that struggles to keep out the opposition. 

Newcastle are conceding more shots per game (16.5) than any other Premier League team, so it’s clear the club needs a tough-tackling midfielder to help stem the flow of attacks upon their goal. Of course, that isn’t to say Saivet is the final piece of the jigsaw required, but he is an upgrade on the options available to McClaren. His positional sense could be called into question at times and is a weakness to his game that can be exploited. 

However, his energy and timing in the tackle - Saivet averaged just 0.9 fouls per game for Bordeaux this season before his move - will be a boost to McClaren and Newcastle. With Shelvey alongside him, the club’s midfield has undergone a complete revamp. With Saivet providing the energy in the middle of the park, this will free up space for his English teammate to utilise his passing ability. 

The likes of Colback, Tiote and Vurnon Anita provide tenacity in the middle of the park, but their distribution can leave a lot to be desired and invite pressure on the Newcastle goal. Shelvey’s game is built on his ability to commendably hold onto the ball. In the process, this will likely result in a more forward-thinking Newcastle. With the club averaging just 46.2% possession in England’s top tier this term - the fifth lowest in the Premier League - the need to better recycle possession is evident. 

Both players can be key to Newcastle’s quest to consolidate their place in the Premier League. A 3-3 draw with United will have boosted morale coming into the second half of the season, particularly in the manner with which a point was secured. The arrivals of both Saivet and Shelvey is expected to raise expectations upon the club's survival chances, with the duo’s respective signings sending out a message. 

With Georginio Wijnaldum an option in the midfield, and the Dutch summer arrival adding attacking thrust from deep, Newcastle’s midfield can now be considered strong enough to stave off relegation. The Magpies, of course, are far from the finished article, with the team needing to strengthen elsewhere before the transfer window closes, but the midfield additions should certainly improve their chances of staying up.

What do you make of Newcastle's midfield additions? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below