Newcastle's 'monster' midfield

The midfield is Newcastle's mainstay.

The Catalans may be looking to get off to a flying start under their new boss, but ahead of them is a team that is not as loud as the stars, but possesses a weapon that can make any opponent wary: Eddie Howe's "monster" midfield.

The 175 million trio - the backbone of the Magpies

After Alexander Isak left, many people predicted that Newcastle would lose steam. But in reality, the greatest strength of the Northeastern team is not in the attack, but in the middle with three names: Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton.

Bruno, a Lyon signing, is in his fifth year in the Premier League. He is a leader, a risk-taker and a daring presence.

Tonali, despite his off-field troubles, has proven why Newcastle spent a fortune to bring him in. With his tactical vision, ability to read the game and control the rhythm, the Italian is Howe’s “brain”.

Joelinton is like a universal machine: diligent, muscular but not lacking in skills, a player that any coach would want in his squad.

Joelinton brings strength to Newcastle in midfield.

This combination creates one of the most formidable midfields in Europe today. Not only are they solid in defense, they also have the ability to stifle the rhythm of the game and launch sharp counter-attacks. The 175 million euro total transfer value of the trio is not only financial, but also a testament to the real weight they bring.

St James' Park pressure cooker and the Woltemade menace

Barcelona are not only facing three steely midfielders. St James' Park, with its 52,000 passionate fans, has long been known as a "fire pot" that overwhelms many big opponents. In that atmosphere, Newcastle also threw in a new card: Nick Woltemade, a young German playmaker, who just debuted with a decisive goal against Wolverhampton. Another piece of the puzzle rich in technique and creativity, enough to distract opponents.

Hansi Flick must have understood that tactical plans on paper would be of little value if Newcastle were to impose their ferocity in midfield. Barça are in the process of rebuilding, and an opening Champions League match on Tyneside would be the toughest test of their mettle.

Barcelona still have the quality to overcome the difficulties: the attacking stars can create breakthroughs, and Flick's footballing philosophy promises to bring more balance. But before thinking about imposing their style of play, they must find a way to neutralize the trio of Bruno-Tonali-Joelinton. Otherwise, the opening match will quickly turn into an expensive lesson.

Newcastle may not have the flashy names of Barca, but they have the collective strength, the steadfastness of Howe, and above all, a midfield capable of crushing any opponent's plans. That is a warning to the Blaugrana: to escape St James' Park with points, they must first overcome the "monsters" in the middle of the field.

Source: https://znews.vn/hang-tien-ve-quai-vat-cua-newcastle-post1585602.html