OPINION
Not much has gone right for Newcastle United so far this season.
The Magpies are loitering around the relegation zone in the Premier League, and have only won a couple of games under the management of Steve Bruce.
Bruce’s side have struggled going forward, and have the second-worst defence in the entire division – being one of the only sides to have not scored more than one goal in a single game.
Defensively they have been solid, and after Martin Dubravka signed a new long-term deal at St James’ Park, the core of their backline is secured.
The experienced goalkeeper has been one of the shining lights in the past couple of seasons and has featured in every single Premier League game since the beginning of the last campaign.
Freddie Woodman is another Magpies’ stopper in fine form this season, and the England youth international is expected to remain on loan at Swansea until the end of his loan deal.
Swansea manager, Steve Cooper has recently shared that he doesn’t expect the shining young talent to be recalled at any point this season back to the North East.
“There’s no inclination that they want him back, and we hope that stays like that,” he said, as quoted by the Chronicle.
“I’m pretty sure he’s of the same opinion as well. There’s always recall options on loan players, there’s nothing out of the norm on that, particularly with goalkeepers.”
With Rob Elliott and Karl Darlow still at the club and struggling for any sort of game time, Bruce must not make the mistake of calling back the youngster when he is excelling in the Championship.
Football Insider have recently reported that the 22-year-old has seen his value sky-rocket past £10million since his loan-move, and Newcastle must allow him to continue to pick up more valuable experience elsewhere.
Darlow and Elliott have been relatively non-existent for the Magpies, and if Woodman was to come back to the club too early it could really affect his progression, Bruce must not make that mistake.
