Newcastle United have endured a bad start to the new season.
Steve Bruce has yet to oversee a victory in 2021/22, and fans are beginning to get restless.
The Magpies are already occupying the relegation zone, and many fear that’s where the club will stay come the end of the season.
One particularly alarming part of Newcastle’s season so far is the defensive vulnerability.
Bruce’s side have shipped the most goals in the Premier League so far with 13.
It is already looking like Newcastle’s failure to bring in a new centre-half could come back to bite them.
Interestingly, as Newcastle struggle, one player who was linked with a loan move to St. James’ Park is thriving.
William Saliba was mentioned as a possible incoming back in June (Daily Mail).
But he ultimately headed back to his homeland with Marseille – and he’s made a really solid start.
So far, Saliba has played every single minute of the club’s six games this season.
He is yet to be on the losing side, and has helped the club keep two clean sheets.
He has an average rating of 7 on WhoScored, and a pass completion rate of 95%.
Saliba showing Newcastle what they’re missing
Some wondered how much of an impact young Saliba – who cost Arsenal £27 million (Sky Sports) – would have had for Newcastle.
Well he has certainly started 2021/22 in impressive fashion, as the Magpies struggle to keep the ball out of their net.
It’s unclear how close Newcastle actually got to signing Saliba on loan.
It’s likely most of the focus at the time was getting Saliba’s Arsenal teammate Joe Willock in on a permanent deal.
It’s a shame the club couldn’t land the Frenchman too, and there’s potential for him to be an uncomfortable watch this season given his start.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
