Ryan Fraser now adding end product to his Newcastle endeavour

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The Ryan Fraser transformation continued for Newcastle United on Saturday.

The Scottish winger is one of multiple Toon players to enjoy a resurgence since Eddie Howe replaced Steve Bruce.

Joe Willock and Joelinton both scored against Brentford, two players who are getting better and better each week. Meanwhile, Fabian Schar was impressive once again in defence.

But Fraser is another player who deserves immense credit for the way he’s turned around his Newcastle career.

The 28-year-old started on the left on Saturday, rather than the right – a position he has occupied since Howe arrived at the club.

Following the change of position, Fraser looked even more dangerous.

Ryan Fraser looked like the player he was at Bournemouth

During his time at Bournemouth, Fraser was a rapid winger who could beat his man and create chances. A few years ago he was one of the most creative players in the Premier League.

In the 2018/19 campaign, only Eden Hazard bettered Fraser’s assist tally. The Scot got 14 assists, one less than the former Chelsea superstar.

Since arriving at Newcastle, his impact has been limited – until now.

Fraser really struggled under Bruce, but is now a key player in black and white. He’s become a mainstay in the starting XI under Howe, with his work rate off the ball making a huge difference to the team.

But it’s his work on the ball that is now improving. He got his first goal of the season in the win over Everton, and since then he’s become much more dangerous in the final third.

Fraser is creating chances down the flank, and provided a wonderful assist for Joelinton on Saturday. He could’ve had even more assists had the likes of Chris Wood been more clinical.

For a long time, it was unclear what Fraser was bringing to the team beyond ‘trying hard’. But on Saturday he appeared to truly arrive as an attacking force.

He wasn’t scared to drive at his man, with step overs aplenty gaining him an extra yard to put a dangerous ball into the box.

Fraser dovetailed brilliantly with Matt Targett, just like he had been doing on the right with Kieran Trippier.

While his resurgence has been wonderful, the 2020 signing‘s numbers needed to increase. That appears to be happening, and Fraser is once again shining like the player he was at Bournemouth.