Eddie Howe told there’s an ‘underappreciated’ player who should be starting every game for Newcastle United
James Rutherford
4 – 5 minutes
Eddie Howe has a selection dilemma on his hands at Newcastle United.
The Newcastle United starting XI has picked itself in recent weeks, with the Magpies putting out the same team for the past five games. It has certainly worked, with Eddie Howe’s side winning five in a row.
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They will hope to make it six against Crystal Palace, with Jason Tindall set to take charge once again while Howe continues his recovery from pneumonia.
Newcastle are predicted to name the same team, which would mean Harvey Barnes and Jacob Murphy joining Alexander Isak in attack.
The former is playing extremely well, with Barnes scoring twice against Man United to continue his excellent run of form. However, his position in the side is under threat due to Anthony Gordon’s return to fitness.
While some will argue that Murphy could drop out to accommodate Gordon, he is also enjoying a rich vein of form.
Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images
Eddie Howe told what he should do with Harvey Barnes
With Gordon available and Murphy such a key player for Howe, the fear is that Barnes will eventually lose his place in the starting XI.
However, pundit Robbie Mustoe believes that the £39million player is underappreciated and should actually be a regular starter at St James’ Park.
“I’ve always liked Harvey Barnes,” he said on the 2 Robbies Podcast.
“Obviously the club and Eddie Howe appreciate what he does. He’s had to be patient. Anthony Gordon is the left winger, and he has not wanted to squeeze those two players in. Harvey Barnes has been a backup player all season to Anthony Gordon.
“Gordon’s been out injured [and suspended]. Barnes has played. He scores. He’s a scorer. He’s powerful, he’s a creator. His crossing is very good. He scores two goals. The second he steams through the middle from a slip from Man United and sticks it in the top corner.
“I think he is underappreciated by Premier League fans in general. I believe in him. I would like to see him as a regular starter. Though it seems like Eddie Howe still likes Jacob Murphy, and there’s no reason not to. He’s a really good player.
“But Harvey Barnes. What a wide player to bring into the front line when you’ve got some injuries or whatever. I think he’s underappreciated. He’s a very effective Premier League winger.”
Barnes’ longest run in the Newcastle United starting XI
Since Gordon got sent off against Brighton in the FA Cup, Barnes has been an ever-present for the Magpies.
He has started five games in a row, which is actually his best run in a Newcastle United shirt.
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The 27-year-old has clearly benefitted from being a consistent starter, as he has provided three goals and two assists during this run.
Barnes is in excellent form, which is why he must remain in the Toon starting XI for the foreseeable future. While it seems unfathomable to leave Gordon out, there is absolutely no reason to drop Barnes.
He is playing the best football of his Newcastle United career, and his efforts in the final third could play a key role in propelling the Magpies towards Champions League qualification.
