Not many Newcastle United players have consistently stood out for Eddie Howe this season.
While Newcastle United can go top of the Premier League with a win over Fulham on Saturday, there are still issues with the Magpies’ performances.
The likes of Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes are not at their best, while Alexander Isak has often been isolated up front. As for Anthony Gordon, Eddie Howe has stated that the 23-year-old is still working towards full fitness after an interrupted summer.
But while a lot of Newcastle’s players are striving for consistency, there are a couple that have enjoyed bright starts to the 2024/25 season.
Nick Pope has already made a big difference, having missed the second half of last season due to injury. Howe praised Pope for his performance against Wolves, with the 32-year-old making a huge save in stoppage time to preserve the Magpies’ lead.
Eddie Howe delighted with ‘unique’ Harvey Barnes
And the other player who has consistently excelled in a Newcastle United shirt is Harvey Barnes.
He scored the winner against Wolves, and the 26-year-old is doing really well so far this season with two goals and an assist to his name.
Eddie Howe has spoken about Barnes during his pre-match press conference ahead of the Fulham game, praising his goalscoring ability and the way in which he has started the new campaign.
“I think he’s got a real coolness in front of goal,” he said.
“It’s related to his technical ability and he has this way that he strikes the ball. His positioning is very good and you don’t score the amount of goals he has without getting into the right areas.
“He’s got really unique talents. He’s a really humble lad who wants to do well and is prepared to work for the team so I am delighted with how he has started the season.”
Newcastle do not have another player like Harvey Barnes
Howe is right when he describes Barnes as unique, and it is that uniqueness that encouraged the Newcastle United manager to sign him.
Barnes arrived at St James’ Park as a replacement for Allan Saint-Maximin. The Frenchman was a fan favourite on Tyneside, and got fans on the edge of their seat with his trickery.
Saint-Maximin was an absolute joy to watch, and the type of player you always wanted to see get on the ball.
Barnes had big shoes to fill, but you can argue that he has exceeded Saint-Maximin in his own unique way.
While ASM dazzled fans with his flair, his end product was questionable. In contrast, Barnes is lethal in and around the box. His finishing ability is incredible, and it has resulted in him scoring some key goals since his £39million move from Leicester City.
It is rare to find a winger who is such a good finisher. You will struggle to stop Barnes when he comes inside on that right foot of his.
That is why Howe has to find a place for Barnes in his starting XI. He has a knack of scoring goals and being decisive, and he has already helped Newcastle win key points this season.
Barnes is playing brilliantly, and long may it continue.
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