Two 7.5s and several 7/10s - Newcastle player ratings vs Strasbourg
NUFC Blog · Luke Hutchin · 2026-08-17T08:52:27+00:00 · nguồn gốc
Two 7.5s and several 7/10s - Newcastle player ratings vs Strasbourg
An improved display compared to Saturday's effort against Bayer Leverkusen, but it was another pre-season defeat at St James' Park as Strasbourg edged us out on penalties after yesterday's 1-1 draw.
Will Osula opened the scoring, and we had plenty of chances to score, only for Jacob Ramsey's uncharacteristic error and some poor spot kicks to gift the Ligue 1 side the victory.
Here are our marks out of 10 and comments on each player involved in our final friendly of the summer.
Starting 11
Jaouen (7) - Handled everything well and looked confident. Made two great saves in the shootout and looks a more than capable deputy for Hornicek.
Shahar (7.5) - Needed to impress after seeing Mason Miley grab the headlines 24 hours earlier, and he did just that. Defended well all game and played a lovely ball down the line for Murphy, which led to the goal. Still feel like he needs a season on loan, but it was a really assured display both in and out of possession.
Schar (6) - A little bit wayward with his passing at times, but this was a very useful 45 minutes of action after returning from injury. Very much a backup this season, but will see plenty of action.
Burn (7) - Got his head onto everything, which is par for the course! Seems to be playing with a bit more confidence after his World Cup exploits, aside from one dicey moment where he was caught in possession. Useful 45 minutes in the legs for our new club captain after his extended summer break.
Charlton (7) - Can be proud of his performance as he didn’t look overawed at all. Looks astute defensively but still very raw in attack. Always good to see the academy kids being given a chance.
Bamba (6.5) - Tough start and it definitely seems like he has taken the longest to adapt, which is understandable. Did grow into the game as time went on, finding his passing game and making a few timely interceptions, but looks like one we’ll need to be patient with. Missed the decisive penalty.
Ramsey (7.5) - Was having a really good game both on and off the ball, but was at fault for the equaliser and also skied his penalty high into the Gallowgate. Those two moments aside, this was a hugely encouraging performance for Ramsey, who is going to be vital for us this season. He was strong in the tackle, drove forward with the ball and helped link midfield to attack.
Murphy (7) - Grabbed the assist with a superb cross and overall put in a good shift down the right. He is a striker's dream with the amount of crosses he whips in, consistency is always his biggest flaw.
Toure (7) - Showed flashes of his electric pace, could’ve bagged himself a goal and should've got an assist after slipping Osula clean through. Final ball was mixed, which I feel could be a recurring theme this season, but he put himself about, kept driving at his man and lasted the game well. One to get the crowd on their feet!
Willock (6) - Should’ve had his name on the scoresheet, but shot straight at the keeper from six yards out. As is the case with Willock, occasional flashes of brilliance intertwined with periods of poor play, although we did look better for having a dynamic option in that No.10 role after Woltemade's struggles on Saturday. Unfortunately, hobbled off late on which is hopefully nothing serious that could scupper a move away.
Osula (6.5) - Showed great instincts to slot the opening goal away and wasn’t afraid to take a shot on, although he could've had three or four on another day, missing a point-blank header and one-vs-one. Got in a muddle late on with Neave, which could’ve led to the winning goal. Looks likely to lead the line against Liverpool.
Substitutes
Johnson (6.5) - Has come from nowhere this pre-season and has impressed when given an opportunity. Always shows for the ball and looks confident in possession. Still a bit to work on defensively, but he could have a bright future.
Pivas (6) - Looked a little less assured in possession but hasn’t disgraced himself in these friendlies, showing good physicality and aggression. Looks primed for a loan to get regular football.
Neave (6.5) - Looked lively down the right. Won plenty of free kicks and took his penalty very well in the shootout.
Finneran (NR) - Barely got a kick after coming on so late.