The two highest-rated Newcastle players this season have Eddie Howe to thank

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Newcastle United went into the international break in fine form.

Following a fairly underwhelming but by no means dreadful start to the season, Newcastle appear to have turned a corner.

Indeed, they won three consecutive games in the build-up to the break and now sit just a point off the Premier League’s top four.

• READ MORE: All of Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United signings, ranked

Eddie Howe has certainly answered any critics he may have had. Frankly, it’s incredible to think Jose Mourinho was recently linked with the Newcastle job – albeit it must be stressed PIF claim they’re happy with their current man in the dugout.

One of the major motifs of Howe’s time at St James’ Park has been the improvement he has yielded from players. Joelinton has to be a prime example, going from big money flop striker to an all-round superstar capable of playing in a number of different positions.

Fabian Schar, Sean Longstaff, Jacob Murphy have also all seen their careers turned around by the Newcastle United manager.

Still, it’s not only the players he inherited who Howe is capable of improving.

A look at some player ratings posted by WhoScored certainly prove that.

The two best performing Newcastle players this season have Eddie Howe to thank

Their ratings for the season so far reveal that Anthony Gordon (7.04) and Lewis Hall (6.96) are the two best performers in the squad.

Supporters may have other ideas of course, but that’s certainly what the respected WhoScored believe.

Interestingly, the pair have been on similar journeys on Tyneside.

Gordon initially struggled to convince following a move from Everton in January 2023 but has since established himself as perhaps Newcastle’s best player. As a result, the England international has been full of praise for the manager, having come such a long way since his arrival.

Hall, meanwhile, initially couldn’t even get into the team due to doubts about his defending but is now a fully-fledged England international, thanks in part to Howe’s tough love. Again, he’s been effusive in his praise of Howe’s management.

While not to overlook the hard work the pair have put in themselves of course, it’s difficult to imagine they’d be so far along in their development this early into their careers without a manager such as Howe.

Young players looking to learn at the highest of levels should surely take note. Eddie Howe can make you a much better player…