Newcastle ‘standout’ can bring new dimension to solve major Eddie Howe problem after Chelsea defeat

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It was very evident against Chelsea that Newcastle United have issues at both ends of the pitch.

Offensively, the goals are not quite flowing for Newcastle United. However, Alexander Isak ending his goal drought was a big positive.

Defensively, Newcastle were easily carved open. Eddie Howe‘s players were unable to stop Cole Palmer, who was given so much space to work his magic. He was the best player on the pitch, with Newcastle making it far too easy for someone who is in the form of his life.

There were a couple of issues at play for Newcastle. The gap between the midfield and the defence was either too big, or the Newcastle backline was pushed up so high that there was space in behind to exploit.

That space was exploited time and time again, with the Newcastle centre-backs not having the pace to recover. It has been a consistent issue all season, with neither Fabian Schar or Dan Burn blessed with speed.

Newcastle need extra pace at centre-back

The main reason Newcastle are lacking pace at the back is because Sven Botman is injured. Botman is ‘lightening quick’ according to Sean Longstaff, but has not played for the Magpies since March due to an ACL injury.

Botman is due back around Christmas, while it is unclear what type of player he will be when he returns from such a horrific injury.

In the meantime, Howe could resolve Newcastle’s pace issue at centre-back by turning to Lloyd Kelly.

The summer signing is yet to start at centre-back in the Premier League for the Magpies. He has predominantly been used as a left-back, despite Kelly proving in the second round of the Carabao Cup that centre-back is his best position.

The 26-year-old is an excellent defender, while he also has the speed that Dan Burn lacks. While the local lad has done well this season, his pace continues to be a problem.

Howe could potentially resolve that problem by giving Kelly a run in the team in his preferred position. That is where he played in pre-season, with Howe calling Kelly a ‘standout’ performer after a friendly win against Brest.

Eddie Howe unlikely to turn to Lloyd Kelly

Using Kelly alongside Schar would give Newcastle a bit of extra pace in defence, but it is a change that feels unlikely.

Howe is loyal to Burn, and very rarely leaves him out of the starting XI.

The only reason that might change is if Burn picks up one more yellow card and receives a one-match suspension. That would force Howe to play Kelly in the middle of defence, where he would have the chance to prove that he should be a regular starter.