‘Unique’ player has improved so much and is now playing his best football ever in a Newcastle shirt

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Newcastle United recorded a historic victory against Sheffield United one year ago.

On September 24th 2023, Newcastle United travelled to Bramall Lane and won 8-0, with eight different Toon players getting on the scoresheet.

It was a resounding victory for Eddie Howe’s side, with Sven Botman scoring his first Newcastle goal. Elsewhere, Kieran Trippier got a hat-trick of assists to set up the aforementioned Botman, Dan Burn and Callum Wilson.

The Magpies put on a show at the expense of the Blades, but it was not quite a perfect afternoon for Newcastle United.

Harvey Barnes got injured for Newcastle United that day

The big blow to come out of Newcastle’s 8-0 win over Sheffield United was the injury to Harvey Barnes.

The winger was starting for just the second time after his £39million move from Leicester City, and trying to prove to Eddie Howe that he should be a regular.

Sadly, he was forced off within 12 minutes due to injury. Barnes had not been on the end of a challenge, which made it even more worrying.

It transpired that Barnes had broken his foot as he set off to sprint, and it cost him four months of his career. It effectively ruined his first season as a Newcastle United player, with Barnes only starting five more games after his return to fitness.

Given the amount of money invested, questions were asked of Barnes, who had failed to justify why Newcastle United had spent so much on him.

• READ MORE: Who is Harvey Barnes? Profile, Girlfriend, Dad, Salary, Socials

Barnes is now Newcastle United’s best player

One year on that from that innocuous injury and lengthy layoff, Barnes is playing the best football of his Newcastle United career.

He has been the Magpies’ star performer so far this season, netting three goals and providing one assist. He has been decisive for Eddie Howe, and is proving why he should be starting every week. That is impressive when you consider he is competing with Anthony Gordon for a place on the left of attack.

Howe praised Barnes for being ‘unique’ recently, and the 26-year-old is now proving why the Magpies were right to bring him in from Leicester City. He has scored some outstanding goals from out wide, with his ludicrous finishing ability making him a real asset.

Barnes has really kicked on in a Toon shirt, and it is great to see him suddenly become so valuable after what must have been a massively frustrating first season in the North East.