Newcastle United's tight-knit group could have an 'extra five per cent' against some of their rivals because they are willing to fight for each other.
That is according to former Newcastle defender Danny Simpson, who was an ever-present when the Magpies previously upset the established order and finished in fifth back in 2012. That memorable campaign remains the last time Newcastle qualified for Europe, but Eddie Howe's current crop have already put themselves in contention to follow suit after a superb start to the campaign.
Newcastle are currently flying high in third place during the World Cup break after winning seven of their last eight top-flight fixtures and you have to go back to August for the black-and-whites' one and only defeat this season. To put that turnaround into perspective, Newcastle only recorded their first win of the previous campaign little more than a year ago.
READ MORE: Newcastle players have got emotional after 'really powerful' change felt at the training ground
Much has been made by outsiders of the money Newcastle have spent in the last 12 months, but that aforementioned spirit has been crucial to the Magpies' transformation. These players, who have shared their stories to each other during timeline sessions at the training ground, have repeatedly stood up for one another as Chelsea star Kai Havertz discovered last month after pushing Dan Burn at St James' Park.
Simpson knows just how important that togetherness can be after previously upsetting the odds with Newcastle and when his Leicester City side won the title four years later in 2016.
"Listen, that's underrated in football," he told ChronicleLive. "For a team to be successful, you have to have that togetherness, fight and spirit. I know all teams should have that but if you're a little bit closer to each other and fighting together, you want to do a bit more for your friend next to you. It goes a long way.
"We were like this team now. We spent a lot of time together off the pitch. It's a bit similar to when I went to Leicester as well. You can have all the tactics in the world but, sometimes, that togetherness gives you that extra 5% over the team you are playing against."
READ NEXT
David Batty 'living life to full' and Newcastle and Leeds United favourite's fury at Pizza Hut
Yasir Al-Rumayyan ally gives PIF hint as he reveals Newcastle owners 'strive for the best'
Newcastle want new addition who could end up proving an important signing behind the scenes
Newcastle have already found ideal transfer profile in 'bad loser'
Amanda Staveley's Newcast le stadium wish comes true as she's proved right by remarkable response
