Newcastle United made their intentions of getting back to the pinnacle of English football loud and clear from the first kick of the ball in the 2016-17 Sky Bet Championship. Rafael Benitez has been a man with a galvanising purpose coupled with an indomitable will to take his side to where they belong.
With a 2-0 win over Aston Villa, United leapfrogged Brighton & Hove Albion to reacquire the top spot which, of course, would grant them an automatic promotion to the Premier League. In a season which has went pretty much in their favour owing to their team clicking as a unit, here are three personnel who deserve a special mention for contributing for their tremendous run of form.
Dwight Gayle
Signed from Crystal Palace in the summer transfer window, Dwight Gayle has been the forefront of Newcastle United’s resurrection under the regime of Rafael Benitez. The 24-year-old has almost singlehandedly rocketed his new employers to the summit of the Championship league table by catering to their goal-scoring needs and proving the point that he is undoubtedly a sensational poacher who could bang goals left right and centre and at the same time, he created some for his teammates as well.
A striker the Magpies have been blessed to have, Gayle has netted 20 times in 24 appearances with a shot accuracy of 67% alongside creating 19 chances and bagging 2 assists. After the scintillating contributions that he has made, he deserves to see Premier League action next season.
Jamaal Lascelles
If there is a player who has been pivotal in instilling the sense of confidence back into the St. James’ club based outfit in their backline, the name of Jamaal Lascelles should surface. As a captain, he has commanded the side like a veteran and has cultivated himself as a shining example for his teammates.
So far this campaign, the defender has been omnipresent in his 31 appearances, bagging 2 goals, creating 5 chances and, defensively speaking, has won 15 tackles, made 38 interceptions, 284 clearances and 17 blocks to ink his name as one of the finest and consistent defenders in the second tier this season.
Jonjo Shelvey
A lot of eyebrows were raised when Jonjo Shelvey was seen in the white and black striped shirt this season, but he wasn’t someone who was to simply back down. Shelvey has cemented himself as the vital cog in Benitez’s midfield machinery, and has been their heartbeat this season.
The former Swansea City midfield maestro has dictated the play with his precise passing and offensive sound movements, scoring 4 goals in 28 appearances for his employers so far, and let’s not forget to mention that he has created as many as 60 chances and registered 7 assists as well: not bad at all, considering he was on the verge of seeing the exit door before the start of the season, is it?
Statistics Credits: Squawka.
