Eddie Howe told there’s an ‘underappreciated’ player who should be starting every game for Newcastle

Newcastle United’s recent resurgence has presented manager Eddie Howe with the kind of problem every Premier League coach dreams of – an embarrassment of attacking riches that makes dropping any of his in-form forwards almost unthinkable.

As the Magpies prepare for their clash against Crystal Palace, riding the wave of five consecutive victories with an unchanged starting eleven, the return of Anthony Gordon from injury has sparked intense debate about who should make way in Newcastle’s flourishing frontline.

Harvey Barnes finds himself at the center of this selection conundrum. The £39 million summer signing has seized his opportunity during Gordon’s absence, delivering his most consistent run of performances in black-and-white stripes.

Starting five matches on the bounce – his longest sequence since arriving from Leicester – Barnes has repaid Howe’s faith with three goals and two assists, including a match-winning brace against Manchester United that showcased his devastating finishing ability.

Pundit Robbie Mustoe has been particularly vocal about Barnes’ qualities, arguing the winger remains one of the Premier League’s most underrated talents. “He’s powerful, creative, and possesses excellent crossing ability,” Mustoe noted on The 2 Robbies Podcast.

“That second goal against United – steaming through midfield before finishing emphatically – demonstrates exactly why he should be a regular starter.” The NBC Sports analyst makes a compelling case, pointing to Barnes’ directness and eye for goal as attributes that could prove crucial in Newcastle’s push for European qualification.

Yet Jacob Murphy’s resurgence complicates matters further. The long-serving winger has reinvented himself this season, combining relentless work rate with improved end product to become one of Howe’s most trusted lieutenants.

His understanding with Kieran Trippier down the right flank has been particularly fruitful, making him equally difficult to omit from the starting eleven.

Gordon’s return from suspension and injury presents the toughest call of all. Before his red card against Brighton, the England U21 international had established himself as Newcastle’s most dangerous attacking outlet, blending trickery with intelligent movement and a newfound clinical edge in front of goal.

His energy and pressing from the front have become hallmarks of Howe’s system, making him theoretically undroppable when fit.

Howe now faces a tactical puzzle that could define Newcastle’s run-in. Does he break up the Barnes-Murphy partnership that has served him so well during this winning streak? Could he shift Gordon to the right to accommodate both him and Barnes? Or might he consider rotating his attackers to keep them fresh for the crucial fixtures ahead?

What makes this dilemma particularly fascinating is how it reflects Newcastle’s evolving squad depth. After seasons of patching together makeshift lineups, Howe suddenly has genuine quality competing for every position – the hallmark of a top-four contender.

Barnes’ emergence as a consistent threat, Murphy’s transformation into a reliable Premier League performer, and Gordon’s continued development give Newcastle multiple ways to hurt opponents.

As Jason Tindall prepares to take temporary charge against Palace while Howe recovers from illness, he inherits a squad brimming with confidence and healthy competition.

The decision over who starts may come down to subtle tactical nuances – whether Newcastle need Barnes’ incision against deep-lying defenses or Gordon’s pressing against possession-based sides.

One thing is certain: with European places still up for grabs, Howe’s handling of this selection headache could make or break Newcastle’s season.

For Barnes personally, these coming weeks represent a golden opportunity to prove he belongs among Newcastle’s first-choice attackers.

Having waited patiently for his chance, the former Leicester man now has the platform to demonstrate why the club invested so heavily in his services.

Whether he keeps his place long-term may depend as much on Gordon and Murphy’s performances as his own – the kind of selection battle that brings out the best in elite squads.