Ki Sung-yueng was one of the game changers against Watford on Saturday and Newcastle fans are now desperate to see him start against Bournemouth.
The South Korean provided the assist for Ayoze Perez’s winning goal and impressed with his passing and ball retention.
(Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Prior to the Watford game, fans were calling for Mo Diame to be dropped in favour of Ki.
But it was an injury to Jonjo Shelvey in the second half which provided the midfielder with his chance.
Most supporters are in agreement that Ki must now be given his chance in midfield, but they are split as to who he should replace.
Ki over Shelvey?
(Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
It’s still uncertain whether Shelvey will be fit for the Bournemouth game after undergoing a scan for a muscle injury this week.
But even if he his fit, some fans claim he shouldn’t get back into the team.
The midfielders passing style has left something to be desired in recent weeks. When it comes off it certainly looks spectacular, but it is currently failing to break down teams.
If Shelvey is declared unfit against Bournemouth, Ki will be given another chance to prove himself.
A good performance against The Cherries may well solidify his starting place, and Shelvey should be worried.
Personally hope Shelvey is out for a few month, the Hollywood ball he continually tries does not work, Ki showed how we should be playing football, short clever possession football, not sitting deep and playing 70 yard balls to nobody #nufc #overrated
— Ross Adams (@rossijustolder) 6 November 2018
Never thought I’d say it but we looked the better team when Shelvey went off yesterday and Ki replaced him… #nufc
— John (@baldy_john) 4 November 2018
Ki was class yesterday and getting deserved praise.
But I don’t understand the sudden Shelvey backlash. His performances this season (defensively & attacking) have been standout in our team.
He remains one of our most important players, and arguably most talented. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/01i5e39Wdt
— The Toon Network (@TheToonNetwork) 4 November 2018
We don’t move the ball quickly enough quite often at SJP, & when we do it’s a hopeful punt up with pitch from Shelvey.
Ki changed that when he came on, immediately looking to play short but positive forward passes. He had an attacking urgency that we’ve often lacked. #nufc
— Black&WhiteBarmy (@BlackWhiteBarmy) 4 November 2018
Ki over Diame?
(Photo credit LINDSEY PARNABY/AFP/Getty Images)
Despite some Shelvey backlash, a lot of fans are continuing to call for Diame to lose his place in the team.
Diame showed the best and worst of his qualities against Watford.
Going forward he failed to link up well with his teammates and only managed to complete 68% of his passes.
But he once again put in a fine defensive display with three tackles, a clearance and the blocking of an effort at goal.
Diame still places third in the league for successful tackles, but lots of supporters are still desperate to see the back of him.
Many are now excited about the possibility of a Ki and Shelvey partnership.
The two midfielders previously played together at Swansea but Rafa Benitez has been reluctant to pair them together again at Newcastle.
Benitez appears to value what Diame brings to the team and they would certainly be more defensively fragile without him.
But whatever his decision, Benitez must start making changes to his line-up if Newcastle want to continue winning games.
Think Ki is an obvious replacement for Diamé next week (if Shelvey is healthy).
— Aziz Khalil (@azizk47) 4 November 2018
I think maybe it should be a ki/shelvey partnership like it was at Swansea. They know each other’s games well. Diame is strong and can work hard but he’s not been doing it like he did last season so maybe that’s the change we need now. Just my opinion
— Adrian Langley (@adi_bizzle) 4 November 2018
Ki was the game changer today, got us playing football and never lost it for us! Needs to be played instead of Diame who has been very poor. Onto the next howay the mags ⚽️
— Callum Francis (@C_Francis94) 3 November 2018
Ki has got to start against Bournemouth,Diame is a liability. #NUFC
— Hilmy Lightning Shawwal (@shawwal_96) 3 November 2018
Ki has got to be better than Diame. I think it’s impossible to be worse #NUFC
— adam (@AdamLittle99) 3 November 2018