Dream Newcastle line-up – featuring two new January signings
After beating Manchester City two days ago, a buoyed Newcastle United have made a couple of deadline day signings to bolster their squad. One of those transfers has broken the club’s transfer record, which should delight the Magpies fans who have wanted the board to spend some money.
The first one is the signature of Antonio Barecca on loan from Monaco, with an option to buy. The Italian is predominantly a left-back, a position where Newcastle have been short this season.
Next up, the club-record acquisition of Miguel Almiron from MLS side Atlanta United. As per Sky Sports, the Magpies have spent £21m to sign this creative midfielder. He has signed a five-and-a-half-year deal with the club, which would keep him at Tyneside until 2024.
Hence, in one day, Newcastle have completed two signings that will directly enhance the quality of their first-team line-up. As mentioned above, they were short at left-back and now they have Barecca. They were tight in the creative department as well and now they have Almiron, who can do a lot of damage to the opposition defences.
Furthermore, the arrival of the left-back means Rafa Benitez can go back to his favoured 4-2-3-1 system. Here’s a dream Newcastle line-up featuring both the signings:
Dream Newcastle XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Manager: Rafa Benitez
Martin Dubravka (GK)
He has been one of the decent additions to the squad. If not for Dubravka, the Magpies would have conceded a lot more.
DeAndre Yedlin (RB)
The American is the club’s first-choice right-back and he starts most games.
Jamaal Lascelles (CB)
The captain leads the team very well from the back and has been consistent in the past few years.
Florian Lejeune (CB)
The good news for Newcastle is that Lejeune is back fit and is playing games. He is probably their centre-back alongside Lascelles.
Antonio Barecca (LB)
The Italian has now arrived at St. James’ Park, which means the left-back problem is solved.
Isaac Hayden (CM)
In the absence of Ki and Mohamed Diame due to injuries, Hayden has done a fantastic job in central midfield alongside academy product Sean Longstaff.
Sean Longstaff (CM)
The academy product has been a great player for the team. His work rate is phenomenal, to say the least.
Miguel Almiron (CAM)
The new club-record signing can play just in front of the midfielders in between the lines and link up with striker Salomon Rondon.
Matt Ritchie (RW)
With the left-back issue solved, we could see Ritchie back in his favoured right-wing position.
Christian Atsu (LW)
The former Chelsea man has done well in the past few games and deserves to start regularly on the left wing.
Salomon Rondon (ST)
He is a proper number nine, who leads the line and finishes off the chances when it arrives in the box.
