Newcastle United’s 3-5-2 formation clearly isn’t working.
It was great at the back end of last season. Allan Saint-Maximin thrived through the middle, while the wing-backs added an extra dimension to our attack.
Steve Bruce stumbled on a system that worked, and it helped us achieve survival.
Unsurprisingly, the formation has remained during the summer. We used it throughout pre-season, and in our opening three competitive games.
However, we are yet to taste victory in the Premier League, and crashed our of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.
There are plenty of issues at Newcastle right now, and the formation is one of them.
Far too many players have been used in unfamiliar roles to accommodate the 3-5-2 system. Emil Krafth isn’t a centre-back. Matt Ritchie is not a natural defender. The same can be said for Jacob Murphy on the opposite flank. Miguel Almiron needs to play higher up the pitch. Isaac Hayden doesn’t suit a box-to-box role. Ryan Fraser isn’t a centre-midfielder. Allan Saint-Maximin isn’t a striker.
Alas, Bruce claims he doesn’t use players out of position.
Newcastle should change to a 4-2-3-1 formation
Newcastle need to find a new system. They need to be more positive, and they need players playing in their natural positions.
A 4-2-3-1 formation can get the best out of more Toon players, and would actually give us more options in attack.
Defensively we should be more sound despite having fewer defenders. When Paul Dummett is fit he can play on the left, while it’s a toss up between Krafth and Javi Manquillo down the right.
The three behind the striker are interchangeable. Almiron can play on the left or behind the striker. Saint-Maximin can play on either flank or in the middle, as can Joelinton. Fraser would do a job on either flank, while Joe Willock could even play as an attacking midfielder.
We’ve got some decent attackers in our squad, but they aren’t getting a chance to thrive in the current system. 4-2-3-1 would be much better suited, and could allow Bruce’s side to actually play some entertaining football.
This change needs to happen, starting at home to Southampton on Saturday.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
