Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United project is entering a phase he has long envisioned a squad filled with genuine competition for places. For the Newcastle manager, depth and quality across the board are not just luxuries but necessities, especially in a season where the Magpies are battling on multiple fronts.
With four competitions to manage, Howe knows the importance of rotation, and recent performances have highlighted just how strong Newcastle’s midfield options truly are.
The trio of Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali, and Joelinton has been the backbone of Newcastle’s midfield since Howe’s arrival. When they are at their best, few teams in the Premier League can match their intensity, power, and creativity.
However, the defeat to Brighton last weekend revealed a certain fatigue within the group. Howe, known for his meticulous approach, took this as a signal to refresh his squad and trust the next generation of talent waiting in the wings.
In Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over Benfica, both Lewis Miley and Jacob Ramsey stepped into the lineup and delivered performances that would have delighted their manager.
For Miley, the teenage midfielder who broke through at the end of 2023, this was a timely reminder of his potential. Calm in possession, composed under pressure, and mature beyond his years, Miley’s performance showed why the club sees him as a major part of its future.
He has had to be patient for opportunities, but he continues to prove he can thrive at the top level when called upon.
Jacob Ramsey, meanwhile, has quickly become one of the more promising summer additions. Signed from Aston Villa, he was expected to bring energy and versatility to the squad, but his start to life at St. James’ Park was disrupted by an early injury.
Now fully fit, Ramsey is beginning to show exactly why Howe was eager to bring him in. His ability to drive forward with the ball, link play, and adapt to multiple roles gives Newcastle a new dimension in midfield.
Speaking after the Benfica win, Howe was full of praise for the young midfielder. “I’m really pleased with JJ because when you come to a new club, the last thing you want is to pick up an injury early on,” he said.
“He worked hard to recover and now that he’s back, I’ve been impressed. There’s still so much more to come from him physically and technically because he’s got outstanding technical qualities. He’s a very intelligent player, and the best is yet to come.”
Howe’s satisfaction doesn’t end with Ramsey and Miley. He also made a point to highlight the importance of Joe Willock, a player who has struggled for minutes this season due to injury setbacks.
The Newcastle boss reminded supporters not to overlook Willock’s qualities, noting that he has historically been a key player for the club. Willock’s pace, energy, and ability to arrive late in the box offer something different from the rest of the midfield options, and his return adds even more depth to an already competitive area of the squad.
When asked about the current state of his midfield, Howe’s response summed up his vision perfectly. “I don’t think you can underestimate the strength of our midfield options,” he told Chronicle Live.
“You forget Joe Willock’s qualities he’s been outstanding for us. Each player brings something unique. Jacob is very technical and intelligent, Joelinton’s qualities are really rare and ones we cherish, and Joe’s versatility is one of his big strengths. That competition for places is what drives us forward.”
Joelinton, in particular, remains a player that Howe holds in high regard. The Brazilian’s transformation under the manager has been nothing short of remarkable.
From a struggling forward to one of the Premier League’s most dominant midfielders, Joelinton embodies the hard work and adaptability that Howe demands.
His strength, pressing ability, and ball-carrying skills make him irreplaceable, and Howe described his qualities as “really rare” a reminder of just how crucial he is to Newcastle’s system.
With five games coming up in the next 17 days, the need for rotation and squad depth has never been greater. But for Howe, this situation is ideal. Healthy competition not only keeps standards high but also ensures every player feels valued and ready to contribute.
Newcastle’s midfield is now stacked with options experienced leaders, emerging stars, and players with the hunger to prove themselves.
The renewed competition for places is exactly what Eddie Howe has been working toward since taking over. It reflects a squad evolving beyond its starting XI, one where every player knows they must perform to stay in the team.
As the season progresses, that internal pressure could be Newcastle’s greatest weapon a sign that this once inconsistent club is now built on strength, balance, and belief.
