Newcastle United have some exciting young talents who Eddie Howe must consider before the end of this season.
Newcastle still have European dreams for this campaign, but they have exited all other competitions after Saturday’s FA Cup defeat, so now the focus turns to their final 10 Premier League fixtures.
While nobody is suggesting that Howe plays the kids and effectively gives up, this run could be a good opportunity to give some of Newcastle’s top academy stars some key experience for the future.
Newcastle should turn to their academy this season
Over the last couple of decades Newcastle haven’t been able to boast many academy talents coming through the ranks – the likes of Sean Longstaff and Elliot Anderson are rare cases.
However, that’s set to change in the long-term with Newcastle’s owners placing a huge emphasis on developing young talent and already the club has attracted some top prospects who are shining in the academy.
In the last couple of years Newcastle have brought in a particularly impressive trio of Alfie Harrison, Trevan Sanusi and Travis Hernes who have been competing at a very high level and could yet feature in what’s left of the campaign.
Looking ahead to the next five years or so this group of players could become key to Newcastle and every bit of experience they gain early on in their careers will only prepare them for what’s to come.
How Eddie Howe could fit youngster into Newcastle’s team
Harrison was brought in from Man City’s academy for around £3.5m with the aim that he was going to break through into the first team after showing his goalscoring prowess which Newcastle have very little of from their midfield.
Sanusi has very recently really impressed Howe and his staff who have been watching the youth sides closely, and a debut for the 16-year-old could be right around the corner.
The downside for Sanusi is that he’s playing out on the left-wing, a position Newcastle are well stocked in with Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes, but he can also feature on the right with the team struggling for a goal threat on that side.
As for Hernes, the Norwegian youth international also plays as a midfielder and it’s difficult to see Howe bringing both him and Harrison through, but his energy and efforts on both sides of the game would be a brilliant asset to have.
His three goal contribution in the UEFA Youth League also suggest he’s someone who can be effective in the final third, a trait Howe will never underestimate having in his side.
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