The game against Bournemouth could have been very different had David Brooks been awarded a penalty.
The summer signing went down from a challenge by Federico Fernandez, but the referee failed to point to the spot.
It was a rare moment of good fortune for Newcastle this season, as that would have given Bournemouth the chance to equalise.
While it wasn’t his best performance, Brooks showed on Saturday that he is the kind of player Rafa Benitez needs.
Newcastle need a player like Brooks in attack
The ‘number 10’ role is something that has plagued the Magpies for years.
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Going back as far as the Alan Pardew era, Newcastle have never found that type of player in behind the striker.
Over the past few years, Ayoze Perez has nailed down that position, with varying degrees of success.
The Spaniard often chips in with key goals, just like he did at Watford, but isn’t a real creative influence.
He is often sloppy in possession, and struggles to link the midfield to the attack. That is exactly what Brooks can do.
We’re not saying Newcastle should launch a mega money move for the Wales international, that would never happen.
But Brooks’ style on the ball and ability to find space is something Newcastle are missing. A player of his qualities would seriously improve Benitez’s squad, and probably walk straight into the starting XI.
What is frustrating is that Brooks was available this summer.
The Cherries paid Sheffield United £11.5million for Brooks, which isn’t the most over the top fee.
It’s frustrating to know that Newcastle could’ve picked up the perfect player for a price that was well within range. We’ll do well to find a similar player for as good a price.
