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The two Newcastle United players who must step up now to lead the team forward

· John Gibson · 2026-08-06 · nguồn gốc

The two Newcastle United players who must step up now to lead the team forward Newcastle United need leaders to step up and deliver Following the departure of Captain Bruno disappearing over the brow of the hill at a rapid rate of knots in the wake of fellow one-time team-mates it has been urged that Newcastle sign experience for the first time this summer. While foals full of unbridled enthusiasm offer much, race horses are required over a 38 hurdle course. That is the wish of most but regardless the new kids on the block have a right to look at the current senior pro's in-house for a helping hand. The most obvious leaders and trend setters have to be Dan Burn at 34 years of age, Fabian Schar 34, Joelinton 30 next week, and Harvey Barnes 28. All internationals, all with a CV packed with first team appearance, all firmly embedded in Newcastle culture. Nick Pope (34) will almost certainly not be here come the closure of the transfer window and if Jacob Murphy (31) and Joe Willock (27 later this month) have escaped the cull they must also weigh in. After all they take home significant wages for their contribution to the cause. If could be argued that Yoane Wissa (29) plus Nick Woltemade and Anthony Elanga who are both 24 will be too busy trying to save their NUFC careers after a poor first season to look after others but I'm not having that. They are seasoned internationals. Sven Botman at 26 has enough experience to provide a few helping words while I would also expect a couple of 25-year-olds in Malick Thiaw and Jacob Ramsey to add a thought for the day. United are desperately short of real leaders to guide others, of course, with Bruno and Tripps out the door. They will be a dreadful miss this season not just for their outstanding footballing performances but because of their natural ability to inspire those around them. They lead where others follow. Someone must step into the void which is why we look to Burn and Schar to be major contributors. Burn is just back from a World Cup campaign with England and Schar has seen it, done it, and got the badge. They can speak with authority and experience. Wise heads to impart encouraging words to those on the threshold. Both have been captaincy material and indeed have done the job and while both are walking down the other side of the hill they have a stature which cannot be ignored. Big Dan is not quite approaching the bottom of the incline as Schar is. He is still currently an England squad member though how long Thomas Tuchel will afford him that pleasure is debatable. Nonetheless his career has been a fairytale. Yes, United require a new influx of experience to go with the five of tender years already recruited and further boost the balance. That is a must. We are crying out for a midfielder of some maturity, a right-back who can go straight in the team, and a left-back to cover Lewis Hall (please God not to replace him). It would be nice for others to follow, like a striker, but I am not expecting it. There is an awful lot of dust to settle. Proof will be in the pudding We believe in him because we have to, we want to, and the man talks a good fight. Matthias Jaissle is United's boss - officially announced days after he took up the job - and he has moved quickly to pour soothing oil on open wounds. The Geordie public were already on his side but now they have reason to be so. Jaissle will not tear up the Eddie Howe play book. Far from it, he basically sets up his team the same way (high octane, front foot) just as his predecessor did when he first arrived. It was different by the end, everyone was shot. "My teams are built on togetherness, hard work, intensity, and a passion to improve every single day," were his first words in Geordie ears. Sounds familiar? However our young German will bring much more to the table. He is more flexible in his tactical formation, more energised, more ready to sub not like for like but to change structure and challenge the opposition. Of course the proof of any pudding is in the eating not the recipe book. He will be tested against Isak's Liverpool and Tonali's Spurs first up. The secret is to get the players on his side quickly which is what Jaissle is currently doing with them locked together 24/7 in the gilded cage of La Manga. It's going to be intriguing, informative, and absolutely crucial. I wish him well.