Newcastle vs Team K League player ratings as Joe Willock flops and 18yr old shocks fans

Newcastle United’s third pre-season friendly of the summer ended in a 1-0 defeat to Team K League.

It was another concerning performance from Eddie Howe’s side, who look nowhere near ready for the 2025/26 Premier League season. That is a big worry, with a Champions League return looming.

Newcastle United fell behind in the first half, with Jin-gyu scoring past Nick Pope in the 37th minute. It was exactly what Team K League deserved.

There was no recovery from the Magpies in the second half, who followed up defeats to Celtic and Arsenal with a loss in South Korea.

Here’s how the players rated.

Nick Pope – 6

As Newcastle get set to sign Aaron Ramsdale, Pope showed no signs of giving up his place in the starting XI.

He dealt with almost everything that came his way, but was powerless against Jin-gyu opening the scoring.

Emil Krafth – 4

The defender endured an uncomfortable first half, and did not get much better in the second. He appeared to go down with a muscle injury before being replaced by Harrison Ashby.

Jamaal Lascelles – 4.5

The centre-back struggled with Team K League’s speed and incision in attack, particularly in the first half. The second half was steadier, but that was largely because he had to do less defending.

Alex Murphy – 5

Deployed at centre-back instead of left-back in the absence of Sven Botman, Alex Murphy got the chance to showcase his versatility to Eddie Howe. Average is probably the best word to describe him.

Tino Livramento – 6

The best of a poor bunch in defence for the Magpies.

Joe Willock – 4

What was really concerning about Joe Willock’s performance was that he got progressively worse as the game went on. His body language left a lot to be desired too.

The game ended on a worrying note, as he suffered an injury and was stretchered off. It goes from bad to worse.

Sandro Tonali – 5.5

Great energy in midfield, as you would always expect from Sandro Tonali. However, not a display he will want to remember.

Lewis Miley – 5

After a steady first half display, Lewis Miley was given a slightly different role in the second half. He operated as a right-sided centre-back, but the change did not really impact proceedings.

Anthony Elanga – 6

Elanga was lively in attack to begin with, but struggled to keep up the intensity as the game wore on. It will be exciting to see him in full flow when the season begins.

William Osula – 5.5

Osula was extremely frustrated in the opening 45 minutes, unable to even get a sniff of goal. That changed in the second half, with the striker forcing a couple of saves. However, he was not able to find the net before being substituted after an angry altercation with a Team K League defender.

Anthony Gordon – 6.5

Newcastle United’s best player against Team K League, not that there were many stars to choose from.

Substitutes

Max Thompson – 6

The young goalkeeper did not have anything to do after replacing Pope.

Harrison Ashby – 6

On at right-back for the final 20 or so minutes, Ashby was steady but unspectacular.

Travis Hernes – 6

Kept the ball well but nothing else to note.

Seung-soo Park – 6.5

Newcastle United’s newest signing made his debut against Team K League. The 18-year-old quickly showcased his skill with some wonderful footwork on the left of attack. One for the future, hopefully.

Alfie Harrison – NA

Introduced in the 92nd minute, not worth grading.