Eddie Howe finds himself in a difficult position as Newcastle United enter the November international break searching for answers. The break offers the perfect opportunity for reflection after a frustrating start to the season that has seen the Magpies stumble both in results and performances.
Their recent 3-1 defeat to Brentford, which also saw Dan Burn sent off, summed up the inconsistency and lack of composure that has haunted the club in recent months.
It’s clear something needs to change. After a remarkable campaign last year driven by Sandro Tonali’s brilliance and Alexander Isak’s lethal form, expectations were high.
But with Isak now sold and the summer transfer window bringing more disruption than stability, the squad has struggled to find its rhythm. A team once praised for its youthful energy and aggressive pressing now looks like one in need of renewal.
Recent data supports this decline. Newcastle’s average starting lineup this season has been one of the oldest in the Premier League — a worrying sign for a club aiming to build for the future.
| Premier League 2025/26 – Oldest Average Starting XIs | Position | Average Age |
|---|---|---|
| Everton | 13th | 28.0 |
| Aston Villa | 6th | 27.9 |
| Newcastle United | 14th | 27.6 |
| Fulham | 15th | 27.6 |
| Burnley | 17th | 27.1 |
The message is simple: Newcastle need to start trusting their young players. The squad is filled with potential — from Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento to Lewis Miley — lllbut injuries and tactical conservatism have limited their impact.
Both Hall and Livramento have the technical skill and energy to rejuvenate the full-back positions. Hall, just 21, was once hailed by pundits as one of the best young left-backs in England, while Livramento, at 22, has long been admired for his pace and attacking flair.
In midfield, 18-year-old Lewis Miley continues to show promise. Calm on the ball and intelligent in movement, he has adapted impressively when given the chance alongside Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali. His presence highlights how Newcastle could evolve by giving youth more responsibility. For others, however, time might be running out — and Joelinton could be one of them.
Once a powerhouse in midfield, Joelinton’s form and physical intensity have dipped noticeably. His statistics reveal the decline:
| Joelinton in the Premier League (Tackles & Duels) | Tackles per 90 | Duels won per 90 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025/26 | 1.4 | 4.2 |
| 2024/25 | 2.0 | 5.7 |
| 2023/24 | 2.0 | 4.9 |
| 2022/23 | 2.2 | 7.0 |
| 2021/22 | 2.1 | 6.9 |
| 2020/21 | 1.1 | 6.0 |
| 2019/20 | 0.9 | 7.5 |
Data via Sofascore
Joelinton has given everything to the club, transforming from a struggling forward into a midfield enforcer, but the signs of wear are clear. Yet even more concerning for Howe is the drop-off in form from Sven Botman, a player once described by Bruno Guimarães as “the future of the club.”
Botman’s struggles have been difficult to ignore. Once a rock-solid presence at the heart of Newcastle’s defence, his recent performances have been shaky.
Against Brentford, he failed to deal with a routine long throw, his weak clearance leading directly to Kevin Schade’s equaliser. The Chronicle rated his display a 3/10, noting that he was physically dominated all afternoon. For a defender previously known for composure and control, such moments are alarming.
Botman was immense in his debut Premier League season in 2022/23, helping Newcastle achieve one of the best defensive records in the league with 11 clean sheets and just 33 goals conceded.
However, injuries have since disrupted his rhythm, and his confidence appears dented. The Dutchman has now entered the penultimate year of his contract, earning £90,000 per week, and must prove he still deserves a long-term role in Howe’s plans.
Complicating matters further is the rise of Malick Thiaw, who joined from AC Milan for £35 million in the summer. Despite his own injury history, Thiaw has quickly established himself as Newcastle’s most consistent defender this season, outperforming Botman in both duels and positioning.
Botman’s recent decline can partly be attributed to fitness setbacks, but also to tactical instability. With Dan Burn playing out of position on the left side of defence, the backline has lacked balance. The return of Lewis Hall could help reestablish defensive chemistry, offering Botman a natural partner on his flank. Still, time is running short for the 24-year-old to rediscover his former level.
Injuries can explain a lot, but not everything. Confidence, communication, and leadership — once hallmarks of Botman’s game — have faded. Newcastle’s defensive record remains statistically strong, with an xGA of just 11.1 (the third-best in the Premier League), but individual lapses like Botman’s have cost the team crucial points.
Eddie Howe now faces a difficult decision. He must decide whether to persist with a struggling player out of loyalty and belief in his potential, or to make a bold change in search of immediate stability. Botman’s talent is undeniable, but football is a game of moments — and too many of his recent moments have hurt Newcastle rather than helped them.
Bruno’s words about Botman being “the future of the club” still carry weight, but that future must be earned again. With Thiaw impressing and younger players pushing for opportunities, Howe may soon be forced to make a call that defines not just the rest of this season, but Newcastle’s defensive direction for years to come.
For now, Botman’s challenge is clear: recover the steel, composure, and authority that once made him a cornerstone of Newcastle’s rise. If he fails to do so soon, the club’s future might continue without him — no matter how promising it once seemed.
