While Newcastle United will almost certainly look to strengthen their first team squad ahead of next season's Premier League campaign, they might not have to add as many bodies as previously thought. The Magpies are said to be looking at adding firepower to their frontline, as well as a number of quality starters this summer.
However, a look at ChronicleLive's non-starting Newcastle XI reveals the Magpie's might be in a stronger position than previously thought.
ChronicleLive's non-starting Newcastle United XI: Darlow, Krafth, Lascelles, Fernandez, Manquillo, Murphy, Willock, Longstaff, Fraser, Anderson, Wood.
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For instance, of the non-starting XI, there are at least four of five players who could and did step in for one of Newcastle's end of season fixtures. The likes of Jamaal Lascelles, Emil Krafth, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff and Ryan Fraser all played a key role in limited minutes to help Newcastle to an 11th place finish in the Premier League this season.
Willock, Newcastle's only summer signing last season, cost the Magpies over £20m, a considerable amount to sit on the bench. Additionally, Longstaff recently signed a new three-year-deal on Tyneside, leaving Eddie Howe with a dearth of options in the middle of the park.
While Bruno Guimaraes had to wait for his opportunity, the Brazilian took it once Howe started to give him more minutes. Alongside Joelinton and Jonjo Shelvey, Guimaraes will more than likely form the basis of Newcastle's starting midfield trio next season, leaving Longstaff and Willock to rotate with them. That's a wonderful problem for Howe to have. Of course, that's not to say they shouldn't spend.
But Willock and Longstaff both bring energy in abundance. Another season of working with Howe could see them both take an even bigger leap, meaning Newcastle can spend elsewhere. They will be even more excited if a youngster like Elliot Anderson can make the leap to first team Premier League football this year too, which could add even more excitement on Tyneside.
Additionally, Jacob Murphy, Ryan Fraser and Chris Wood all offer something different in attack. The former is a versatile player, who can play on the wing or at wing-back. While he is more likely to remain on the bench next season, Murphy offers effort and hard work which Howe values. Fraser spent time out last season injured after undergoing a revival in form under Howe.
If Allan Saint-Maximin is a certainty to start on the left-wing, then having a rotation option of Miguel Almiron and Fraser on the right is a nice problem to add. Chris Wood up-front remains the big question mark behind Callum Wilson. The striker scored two, albeit two crucial goals following his January move from Burnley. He has underwhelmed on Tyneside, with Newcastle already exploring options to improve their attack this summer.
The January addition of Dan Burn, coupled with the signings of Matt Targett on loan and Kieran Trippier from Atletico Madrid instantly shored up Newcastle's back four. It meant the likes of Lascelles, Javier Manquillo, Paul Dummett, Federico Fernandez and Krafth would all have their minutes reduced. Signing the defensive trio absolutely had to be done. Newcastle were leaking goals at a time where they sat in the doldrums of the relegation zone.
While the Magpie's central midfield options certainly reveal strength in depth, they will still need to upgrade their defence further this summer. Krafth performed admirably during Trippier's spell out injured, while captain Lascelles stepped in to deliver some strong starts too. However, Newcastle are now at a stage where they must be ruthless with their squad depth if they want to kick on.
A few more bodies, be that in the role of upgrades on what is already there, or high up-side back-up's like younger players who can grow and improve must be the priority this summer in defence for Newcastle. They absolutely must sign a left-back given their lack of options there.
