Forgotten Newcastle United man has just impressed Eddie Howe with his ‘attitude’

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Newcastle United manager admits he was impressed by Harrison Ashby’s performance as a central midfielder. 

Ashby, who has never made a competitive senior appearance for Newcastle United since joining from West Ham in January 2023, was given a slightly unusual role during the pre-season defeat in the Sela Cup on Saturday. 

Atletico Madrid beat Newcastle 2-0 at St James’ Park, meaning Howe’s side went through the entirety of their summer schedule without a victory.  

Playing two games in two days exposed the weakness in the Newcastle United squad. While much has been made about the lack of a convincing striker amid the impasse surrounding Alexander Isak, midfield is an issue. 

Both Ashby and Matt Targett are full-backs by trade but had to play in the engine room as the squad has been stretched following an injury to Joe Willock and the sale of Sean Longstaff.

Howe has confirmed Newcastle want to sign a new midfielder but, until that happens, he remains light on options in that department. 

Though it’s hard to see Ashby playing there again, the Newcastle United manager was impressed. 

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Eddie Howe issues honest verdict on Harrison Ashby’s performance  

Ashby played well for Newcastle against Atletico Madrid in a slightly unusual role. 

As per Transfermarkt data, the 23-year-old had never actually played as a central midfielder during his career before. 

Clearly, pre-season does not always provide an accurate reflection of what’s to come and it’s difficult to imagine he’ll get much of a chance there next season, but the ex-Swansea loanee did impress. 

Speaking after the game, Howe said: “I think the biggest thing today is I liked his attitude. He attacked the position. He’s very rarely played that position, although he has trained there for us. It’s a sign of our squad depth. We are stretched in midfield.”

Harrison Ashby stats for Newcastle United vs Atletico Madrid

As per Sofa Score data, Ashby had 21 touches and found the mark with ten of his 11 attempted passes (91%).

He produced two key passes, created one big chance and delivered one cross from two attempts. 

Ashby, who spent last season on loan at QPR, won four of his eight attempted ground duels and drew one foul.

It’s clearly not ideal to be relying on the likes of Ashby or Targett as back-up midfielders ahead of a Champions League campaign, but the players themselves performed well.