Lloyd Kelly names the Newcastle player who has impressed him the most since joining

Add as preferred source on Google

Lloyd Kelly has been getting to know his Newcastle United teammates after arriving from Bournemouth this summer.

The 25-year-old joined Newcastle United on a free transfer on July 1st, with the defender linking back up with Eddie Howe following the expiration of his Bournemouth contract.

He should prove to be a strong signing, and Lloyd Kelly looked good during his two pre-season performances. He was particularly impressive against Brest, with Kelly getting an 8/10 in our Newcastle player ratings after an incredible assist for Harvey Barnes.

The centre-back showed off his skill to the St James’ Park crowd for the first time as a Newcastle player, with Eddie Howe describing Kelly as one of Newcastle’s standout player.

However, it is Kelly’s teammates that have been impressing him during pre-season.

Lloyd Kelly hails Alexander Isak after his first pre-season with Newcastle United

One player has stood out the most to Kelly, who has spoken to NUFC TV ahead of the Magpies’ Premier League opener against Southampton.

Kelly was asked to name the player who has impressed him the most since joining the club, and he had to go with Alexander Isak.

“You could say quite a few,” he said.

“I think Isak, with his tight control and being able to finish chances.

“He did it throughout last season and I’m sure he will continue it again this season.”

Kelly will hope to supply Isak with chances

The expectation is that Isak will enjoy a strong 2024/25 season, after the 2023/24 campaign was the best of his career. He scored 25 goals in all competitions, with 21 of those strikes coming in the Premier League.

The Swede really cemented himself as an elite centre forward, and ensured that those Thierry Henry comparisons will not go away.

Now Isak will hope to replicate his efforts from last year, and possibly do even better. Emil Krafth thinks Isak will score at least 25 goals, which would represent another sensational season.

Kelly will hope Isak can do that, as it will likely mean that the Magpies enjoy a strong year. The summer recruit has even hinted that he could supply Newcastle’s top striker with some chances, having showcased his incredible passing range during pre-season.

Fabian Schar loves a long pass, but it is a weapon that Kelly has in his arsenal too. He used it perfectly against Brest, with his pass resulting in Harvey Barnes scoring the winner.

With Isak’s speed and movement, he could be latching onto a few of those passes from Kelly himself, and they might be able to strike up a bit of a partnership.