Eddie Howe’s squad at Newcastle United is not particularly well-balanced.
While there is depth at Newcastle United in certain areas, Howe does not have it in other departments.
Indeed, central midfield is a position well-stocked within the Newcastle United first-team squad. As are the other options on the left wing, where Joelinton, Joe Willock, Harvey Barnes and Anthony Gordon can all play.
The Newcastle squad also has some brilliant right-back options on offer too, with Kieran Trippier, Tino Livramento and Emil Krafth on the books.
Another area in which Howe has names from which to choose is in goal. Nick Pope is the starting goalkeeper of course but the likes of Martin Dubravka, Odysseas Vlachodimos, John Ruddy and Mark Gillespie are also in contention.
It seems incredibly unlikely any of the names behind Pope will ever oust him from Howe’s starting lineup on a consistent basis and the Newcastle United manager has addressed the latest on his options between the posts.
Eddie Howe confirms Newcastle United goalkeeper plan
Asked about the sheer number of players he has in the goalkeeping department, Howe admitted trying to balance them all was not “ideal”.
In fact, he revealed the club will take a “view” about the situation at the end of the season.
Speaking to The Chronicle, he said: “We will take a view on that. The goalkeeper situation has been slightly difficult this year.
“We have a high number of goalkeepers which probably wasn’t ideal. Those players have handled that situation very, very well. It’s not easy. They have been really good professionals, all of them.
“They have created a really good team network and trained really well. They have helped whoever has been playing be at their best for match day. I am full of compliments for them. But let’s wait and see.”
| Player |
| Nick Pope |
| Martin Dubravka |
| Odysseas Vlachodimos |
| John Ruddy |
| Mark Gillespie |
James Trafford increases Newcastle United goalkeeping problem
As if having five senior goalkeepers wasn’t enough already, the club reportedly want to sign another.
Burnley’s James Trafford is a target for Newcastle this summer, having been strongly linked with a move to St James’ Park before the start of this season.
Trafford wants first-team football to sign for Newcastle, which would no doubt impact Pope’s position at the club.
The two could, of course, battle for a starting berth but Leeds are interested in signing Pope.
Perhaps if Trafford comes in, the England international could go…
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