Newcastle have made a lot of mistakes lately, and letting Mo Diame go was one of them.
The midfielder arrived in 2016 from Hull City ahead of the Championship campaign and left this summer when his contract expired. It seemed like a mistake at the time and seven games in it’s clear we’re missing his presence.
His energy and ability to break up play was unrivalled in this Newcastle squad. It’s a trait that we’re currently missing, especially when we spend most of the game chasing possession.
Diame is 32 now, but his age was hardly hindering him at St James’ Park. While you could half understand letting him go this summer, the fact we didn’t replace him is inexcusable.
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Steve Bruce has struggled to find the right blend in centre midfield so far. Jonjo Shelvey hasn’t lived up to his early promise. Sean Longstaff looks a shadow of the player he was last season. Ki Sung-Yueng has been anonymous even when he’s been on the pitch. And now Isaac Hayden is suspended after his red card against Leicester.
This summer at Newcastle was littered with mistakes. And while Diame’s departure is hardly the biggest, his exit is certainly hurting us right now. And fans know it.
