Eddie Howe now names the strongest position in his squad at Newcastle

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Newcastle United did not manage to strengthen their squad significantly this summer.

While it remains to be seen whether or not that will have a huge impact on where Newcastle finish in the Premier League this season, it surely cannot have helped manager Eddie Howe.

Still, few would doubt that Howe boasts some brilliant players at St James’ Park. It is, after all, one of the most expensively assembled squads on the planet.

There are issues of course. The club signed neither of the central defender nor right winger they wanted during the summer but that doesn’t mean there are not areas of the squad to shout about.

Speaking about the options available to him after Saturday’s draw with Manchester City, Howe revealed where he thought his squad was at its strongest.

Eddie Howe names the strongest position in Newcastle’s squad

Asked about the performance of Sandro Tonali after his first Premier League start in almost a year, Howe talked of the strength in depth Newcastle boast in midfield.

“It’s probably our strongest position in terms of choice. Joe Willock and Sean Longstaff we rate really highly,” he told BBC Match of the Day.

“Tonali would be right up there with one of our best performers today. He suffered a bit of cramp today but that is natural with the amount of time out that he has had.”

Sandro Tonali’s return is huge for Newcastle

Tonali hasn’t even been starting recently, such are the wealth of options available to Howe.

The club didn’t move for a midfielder this summer due to the Italian’s return and, right now, that looks to be a wise move – albeit Atalanta midfielder Ederson is thought to remain a target ahead of next summer.

Joe Willock is constantly praised by Howe, while Sean Longstaff continues to play a leading role. Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, meanwhile, are so often the heartbeat of this Newcastle side when they are at their very best.

With Lewis Miley set to return too, it’s easy to see why the Newcastle United manager is so pleased with his options.

The strength of Newcastle’s midfield is a major plus point for the season ahead.