Newcastle United have made a bright start to the campaign even if their points total probably isn't a true reflection of their performances. Eddie Howe himself has admitted that, even if his side have lost just once since the start of the campaign, a late extra-time goal at Liverpool condemning them to defeat on the road.
A 3-3 draw against Manchester City is indicative of their impressive start, even if they did throw away a 3-1 lead against the Premier League champions. The arrival of Sven Botman, Alexander Isak, Nick Pope and Matt Targett on a permanent transfer has increased optimism on Tyneside ahead of the remainder of the campaign.
A top-half finish would match expectations for the majority of supporters, albeit some pundits are tipping Newcastle for an outside chance of European football. Who can argue with them after last season's remarkable upturn in form?
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Nonetheless, there are still areas of the squad that need improving if the Magpies are to challenge for the European spots year on year. A look at the current WhoScored Best XI for Newcastle offers an insight into which areas still need investment in the playing squad.
Botman's average rating of 6.6 is somewhat of a surprise given his solid start since arriving from Lille, but also a sign of how it'll take time to adapt to the Premier League. Fabian Schar has been the standout performer for the Magpies in defence this season, with Kieran Trippier a close second. Targett has been steady away at left-back but it's an area of the pitch that you would expect the Magpies to invest in at some point, even if that isn't the January window.
Another area that Newcastle tried to recruit for this summer was the right-wing position. Miguel Almiron enjoyed a bright pre-season campaign and has started relatively well, but if he's unable to improve his final product, he could soon be replaced.
The Toon were linked with the likes of Jack Harrison, Harvey Barnes and Moussa Diaby in the summer. A trio of players that would provide better competition for the likes of Almiron and Fraser.
Not an immediate cause for concern but definitely an area that needs some competition, is central midfield. The Brazilian duo of Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton are among the first names on the team-sheet, but the third slot in Howe's midfield is still up for grabs.
The Magpies boss said he would look to build around Jonjo Shelvey last season, but he's been ruled out with injury and is entering the final year of his contract. Joe Willock has started the majority of those games in his place, but the former Arsenal midfielder has not been able to recapture that impressive vein of form in front of goal from his loan spell at St James' Park.
The WhoScored statistics show that Newcastle do need some sort of creativity from a central area, but that's all part of the gradual building process on Tyneside. Whether they venture into the market for a right-winger, left-back or creative midfielder in January remains to be seen.
The club has stressed the need to build gradually, but if European football is in sight come January, you can expect the club to back Howe once more.
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