Four Newcastle players who need to improve in 2022

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Following the club’s shocking takeover, Newcastle United could be set for a big 2022.

The club is united once again, with fans rejoicing at the fact that Mike Ashley no longer owns the club.

The arrival of Eddie Howe has lifted the team, with players such as Joelinton and Jonjo Shelvey improving massively.

However, there are still some Toon stars who need to prove their worth to their new manager in the new year.

Joe Willock

It’s been a disappointing return to St James’ Park for Joe Willock.

It was the transfer saga that dominated the summer for Newcastle, with Willock eventually returning on a permanent deal worth £25million. It was a big signing, and it would prove to be the last of the Ashley era.

However, the midfielder has struggled to re-find the form he showed during his loan spell last season.

While he scored an incredible eight goals in the previous campaign, he is yet to find the net since returning.

Willock has featured a lot since Eddie Howe arrived, but his performances haven’t improved. He’s been able to retain his place in the side, but could be under threat if midfield reinforcements arrive in January.

Sean Longstaff

Sean Longstaff is not only playing for a place in Howe’s midfield, he’s playing for his Newcastle future.

His Toon contract expires in the summer, and Longstaff is running out of time to justify getting a new deal. Like Willock, new arrivals could hurt Longstaff’s Newcastle prospects.

The local lad wasn’t having a bad season under Steve Bruce, scoring a stunner away to Watford. But his minutes have diminished since Howe took over.

Longstaff needs to find a way to impress Howe in training and force his way back into the starting XI. If not, he could leave for nothing in June.

Ryan Fraser

Ryan Fraser’s Toon career hasn’t got off the ground yet, but there is hope for the Scotland international.

The arrival of Howe has already boosted Fraser’s first-team minutes. And he got his first assist of the Howe era by crossing for Allan Saint-Maximin in the 3-3 draw with Brentford.

We need to see more of that from the ex-Bournemouth ace, whose Newcastle career has been very stop start so far.

Injuries have hindered his progress, but at least now he has a manager who knows how to get the best out of him.

But Fraser needs to improve. And you’d like to think he will working with Howe.

Jamaal Lascelles

The captain isn’t playing well enough. It’s as simple as that. He should be leading by example, but instead he’s becoming a liability.

Jamaal Lascelles has given away multiple penalties this season, with his rash decision making costing Newcastle United valuable points.

He’ll be desperate to lead Newcastle into this new era, but to do so he needs to justify his place in the team by returning to the player he was during Rafa Benitez’s reign.