The return of Joelinton, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff, and Bruno Guimaraes to Newcastle’s starting lineup has given the team a renewed edge, with the quartet remaining unbeaten in their 13 games together.
Sean Longstaff’s evolution has been noticeable this season. Once criticized and on the verge of being sold for a bargain price last summer, he has emerged as a key figure in Newcastle’s resurgence. While many thought his place in the team might be in jeopardy due to the arrival of Sandro Tonali, Longstaff’s steady performances have proven invaluable. The team has won seven games this season with him in the starting lineup, compared to three defeats with Tonali starting.
Unlike some of his more flamboyant teammates, Longstaff’s game is built on balance and defensive solidity. He doesn’t provide the flashy assists or dribbles, but his tackling and work rate are unmatched in the midfield. Under Eddie Howe, he has brought much-needed bite to the side, making more tackles than anyone else at the club. His performance against Arsenal, where he made six tackles to disrupt their buildup, showcased his ability to break down the opposition. However, it is his chemistry with Joelinton, Willock, and Guimaraes that has really allowed Newcastle to click, with the quartet winning 11 of their 13 joint starts.
Joe Willock has been the most injury-plagued member of the group, struggling to maintain a consistent run in the team. Despite this, Newcastle’s win percentage with him in the lineup is notably higher. His early season form was sluggish due to injury setbacks, but his standout display in the Carabao Cup against Chelsea signaled a return to his best. Willock, when fit, is Newcastle’s most dynamic ball carrier, and his link-up play with Joelinton, particularly as Willock drifts wide, has added another dimension to the team’s attack.
Joelinton, meanwhile, continues to impress with his versatility. Once an underwhelming striker, he has transformed into an invaluable all-rounder who can play in multiple roles, always delivering for the team. His work rate off the ball provides much-needed support to the likes of Willock and Guimaraes, and his ability to cover various positions gives Eddie Howe tactical flexibility. His goal against Nottingham Forest was a highlight, but it’s his tireless defensive efforts that make him an indispensable part of Newcastle’s midfield.
As the quartet’s partnership flourishes, the primary concern remains their fitness. While new arrivals like Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes offer additional options, they don’t disrupt the harmony created by this core group. For now, Howe has successfully revived Newcastle’s midfield by focusing on the stability and balance that this quartet provides, laying the foundation for a promising future at St James’ Park.
