Eddie Howe has now told £32m player exactly what he must do to start for Newcastle United

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Eddie Howe has made it perfectly clear to Tino Livramento what he must do to start for Newcastle United.

The 21-year-old was a star for the Magpies earlier this season, operating at left-back during Dan Burn’s injury absence.

Tino Livramento was outstanding at left-back, leading to some fans wanting to see the youngster play there regularly. Eddie Howe certainly has confidence in him playing on the left of defence, but has recently opted against naming Livramento in the starting lineup.

The former Southampton defender has only started once in 2024. That was the 4-2 defeat to Liverpool, which Kieran Trippier missed due to injury.

But fans are keen to see Livramento come into the side for Burn, who is currently struggling for form.

Whether or not that change happens against Arsenal on Saturday night remains to be seen, but Howe has made it clear what the £32million man must do to be a regular starter.

Eddie Howe sends message to Tino Livramento

Ahead of Arsenal vs Newcastle, Howe spoke to the media. He was asked what Livramento needs to do to get into the starting lineup.

“I see him as a full-back who can play both sides,” he said.

“What does he have to do? Every time he enters the pitch he has to play well, which he has to this point in my opinion.

“And he has to train well. That’s all he can do.”

Newcastle fans want to see more of Livramento

Howe wants Livramento to impress every time he plays, and he certainly does that. It is rare that you watch him and not think he has done well. He is an outstanding talent, and proof that we will be fine once Trippier leaves the club.

But for now, Livramento is not going to get in the team ahead of Trippier. Instead, he is trying to force his way in on the left, but Howe continues to stay loyal to Burn.

The calls from fans to make the change get louder week after week, and it will be interesting to see who Howe goes with against Arsenal. It feels like a risk to put Burn up against Bukayo Saka, but it is difficult to envision Howe leaving out the local lad.

One solution could be to use a back five, but that would come as a surprise considering Howe has used a 4-3-3 formation during the majority of his Newcastle United tenure.