While off the field issues once again threaten to undermine Newcastle United ahead of the new campaign, there is the small matter of the season opener with Tottenham Hotspur to think about.
Indeed, while it’s hard to focus on right now – as doubts about Rafa Benitez’s future on Tyneside once again emerge – last season’s runner’s up return to St. James’ Park little over a year since their 5-1 humbling in the Magpies’ most recent Premier League game.
In the build-up to the new campaign, we asked our readers who they would prefer to be handed a starting berth by Benitez in the No.10 role. Having largely adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation since touching down on Tyneside, the man tasked with creative duties just behind the central striker is one of the most important components of the team.
Newcastle do have options in that area. We raised Siem De Jong, Ayoze Perez, Jonjo Shelvey, Mo Diame and Matt Ritchie as choices and, perhaps surprisingly, the first man mentioned came out on top by some distance.
The Dutchman spent last season on loan with PSV Eindhoven after an injury-blighted two years in black and white, though has produced some fairly promising performances over the course of pre-season.
Shelvey came it at second, as if Mikel Merino is fit, Benitez has the option to push the England international further up field and pair the aforementioned Spaniard with Isaac Hayden in the double pivot role.
So, would you be inclined to agree about De Jong?
Let us know
