With Adam Armstrong being injured and not being able to play for the England U-19 side in Germany in the U-19 European Championships this summer, he’s had almost a full pre-season with Rafa Benitez and the first team squad at Newcastle.
He’s also had a few run-outs in some friendly games, but whether Adam will remain on Tyneside this season in the first team squad or be shipped out on loan to get more first team games under his belt is still undecided.
Rafa will be taking a close look at him this month and will make the choice based only on what is best for Adam’s developments as a player.
Adam Armstrong in action against Vitesse last Saturday
This is what Rafa told the Chronicle today when asked about Armstrong’s situation:
“Maybe he will start with us. He is training well and he is doing fine.”
“We don’t know what will happen, he is a young player who has the potential, but I want to be sure to do my best for the team and the best for the players.”
We should be getting an experienced striker in before the end of August and once Mitrovic serves his four game suspension he will be back before the end of this month.
And that would make Adam the 5th striker on the totem pole behind both Dwight Gayle and Ayoze Perez as well as Mitro and the new striker.
So if we were to hazard a guess, we would say Adam will be sent out on loan if we do being in another striker before the end of August.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
87 comments so far
Spoof
Aug 3, 2016 at 1:05 PM
Comment #41Apparently 34 year old Steven Piennar is training with the sad lot down the road, are they about to make a transfer breakthrough, and what a breakthrough it would be for them, a real coup, it would be really good of them to keep him out of retirement and to top up his pension fund !!!!!
Bobbybee
Aug 3, 2016 at 1:07 PM
Comment #42Martoon, better check that mate, i don’t remember posting until today! I was waiting to see which striker we brought in before committing myself. Can you remind me what you think i posted? Or did post. Damned if i remember lmao!
Jib
Aug 3, 2016 at 1:09 PM
Comment #43Spoof
I sem to recall some on here making the same sort of comments about Germaine Defoe
🙁
magscar
Aug 3, 2016 at 1:09 PM
Comment #44Spoof
I think Diame might be mainly in competition for one of the 2 in a 4231 or as you say and as with Sissoko behind a striker but we also have a few who could play in there – Perez, Gayle, even De Jong but yes Diame may figure.
It’s what makes season interesting – side used to almost pick itself!
Read that he is working on tactics and positioning with all players and Rafa may be looking at switching personnel in games and from match to match but within his favoured 4231 which is a versatile system when utilised with good players knowing their roles.
On a new striker ideally I would think he would be after a more mobile target man and he also may be working with Mitro on his mobility.
Many regard the Championship as physical and expect packed defences especially at SJP so there may be more direct football required at times.
Carroll did well last time we were down although I am not comparing him directly skill wise. We all know if Mitro doesn’t curb his temper then he will miss more than the 4 he is already down for but I am hoping that this will be a pivotal season for him. He will be used sparingly to start with especially as he hasn’t had much of a pre-season but he did score from bench a few times last season.
Spoof
Aug 3, 2016 at 1:13 PM
Comment #45Jib
the difference is that Defoe was playing regularly and at a high level, Piennar has barely played for the last two seasons, something like 13 in two seasons, this deal if it goes ahead is down to Moyes doing an old pals act due to his good rapour with Piennar at Everton, he is well past it and has been for quite a while.
Mister Tuff
Aug 3, 2016 at 1:13 PM
Comment #46Martoon – I’ll keep an eye out – I anticipate as the season is about to start some chicanery and artiface from the beggar.
I like the idea of loaning out Armstrong to another Championship club/rival – just as they start to play to his strengths pull the plug in January and bring him back -causing some disarray at the other club.
martoon
Aug 3, 2016 at 1:17 PM
Comment #47Bobbybee @42 – Sorry what I meant to say was you were not on the list I posted because you were posting your just as I posted my list but I have now added you. Also after Thursday I am allowing changes to Player of the season and top goal scorer in lieu of transfers, loans etc. so you will be able to change Arma if necessary. I have to say I would have been disappointed if he hadn’t been your TGS 😉
Belfast
Aug 3, 2016 at 1:21 PM
Comment #48Ian Toon won’t be entering because all journalists have to remain impartial.
magscar
Aug 3, 2016 at 1:24 PM
Comment #49Nufc83@27
On Perez as a striker I believe he has only played there in a 4231 when we were desperate (without checking back can’t recall Rafa playing him in that role much).
I don’t really see him and Gayle as similar players as Gayle has played as an out and out striker regularly as well as out wide in a front 3. That is another position where Perez was wasted in my view.
He came with the reputation as an attacking midfielder or a No 10 and hasn’t convinced me on the times he has lead the line – not his fault as he gives his all just not his ideal position.
Top sides have cover in all key positions and we only have one target man at present. Target man doesn’t have to be the put down as some seem to see it. It certainty isn’t a one dimensional role with the right player and is very important in a 4231.
Nufc-83
Aug 3, 2016 at 1:36 PM
Comment #50Magscar I think you will find he came as a striker and he has done as well if not better up top than any other strikers we have had since he has been with us. The fact he has many attributes is why you see him getting used in other positions such as a wide midfielder and even then he was often one of the better players which shows how poor we actually were last season.
JP...from The Rock
Aug 3, 2016 at 1:37 PM
Comment #51Where’s the Diame announcement!!???
carl
Aug 3, 2016 at 1:39 PM
Comment #52Magscar
I agree they are not at all alike. Perez does time his runs into the box well and he has a lot more to offer this season. Gale has pace something Perez lacks.
JP...from The Rock
Aug 3, 2016 at 1:42 PM
Comment #53Just seen this; http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11678/10519909/mohamed-diame-undergoes-medical-at-newcastle
Didn’t he have his medical yesterday??
Bobbybee
Aug 3, 2016 at 1:43 PM
Comment #54Martoon, you’re a good un. (Despite what people say behind your back) 😉 😉 I’ve gone with Arma because i know he’s prolific when he gets up and running. If he stays he may well start slow, due to competition, but once he gets going…. A poor pre season – with mitigation – means zilch to me. I know what he’s capable of. Does it for me.
MadisonToon
Aug 3, 2016 at 1:48 PM
Comment #55Bobby
I also went with Arma as the TGS. I do think he’s got it at the Championship level and could also be one of the three behind the striker – we will see if he gets good game time before Mitro is back and even then Rafa has repeatedly stated his desire for rotation so he will hopefully get some more game time and prove his worth. I’ve got probably unrealistic hopes for him, but still I think he’s the best club-grown talent in a while and I really hope he comes good.
RE: title of the post, c’mon Ed, we’ll click through the posts anyway, there’s not reason to get click-baity without any facts.
nufc786
Aug 3, 2016 at 1:54 PM
Comment #56If Saviet goes to Marseille, would anyone consider buying back Mehdi Abeid or Olivier Kemen maybe both?
magscar
Aug 3, 2016 at 1:57 PM
Comment #57Nufc83
He was bought for development squad and it may have been as a striker I just don’t recall.
My point is that apart from in desperate circumstances he hasn’t been played as a CF/ No 9 call it what you will – he is more a modern No10 or an attacking midfielder.
He doesn’t lead the line well or hold ball up well enough for me. I like him and want him to stay for a few seasons at least but he is not a main striker in my eyes and we need an alternative to Mitro.
It is all just opinions 🙂
Bobbybee
Aug 3, 2016 at 2:00 PM
Comment #58Madison, he’s the best since Gazza imo and i’ve stuck with that since i first watched him at 16ish. Thing is, you have to play to his strengths, which is running the channels. He makes killer runs and we need the midfield to pick his runs. So far they haven’t. That’s why i hope SDJ gets fit, or the bald eagle hits form. He’s electric over 15 yrds and leaves defenders standing. Scores with both feet – 12 right, eight left for Coventry. Who else does that? Hope he stays under Rafa though, who could really bring him on. Like i said though, if he goes out, he can cause damage against our competition, so it’s win win. Want him to stay though and force his way in.
NUFCPaul
Aug 3, 2016 at 2:00 PM
Comment #59JP – if the rumours of Diame having a slight issue with his heart are true, then maybe the club medical staff are being extra cautious and extending the tests? It is unusual for a medical exam for a player to last more than one day, so that’s the only reason I can think of.
JP...from The Rock
Aug 3, 2016 at 2:03 PM
Comment #60NufcPaul- they sure are taking long, has me worried.
lochinvar
Aug 3, 2016 at 2:04 PM
Comment #61Chronicle reports that Armstrong will be around for the start of the season.
Diame’s been saying all the right things about joining Rafa and NUFC so let’s hope that all’s well on the medical front and that he’s signed up .
Bobbybee
Aug 3, 2016 at 2:04 PM
Comment #62Why are we even considering doing business with Marseille again? They never pay up and just use us to supply them with cheap players ffs. Thauvin has been nothing but trouble, refusing to play for us, his contracted club, and now refusing to go to Italy because he demands to go to Marseille. Lend him to Hartlepool for six months, see how he enjoys that.
NUFCPaul
Aug 3, 2016 at 2:08 PM
Comment #63Some people are saying that McCormack isn’t worth the 15 million because he’s too old at 29 for that amount of money and may not cut it in a higher league. I don’t think either of these things matter. We need his goals in THIS league as he’s a proven scorer. If he plays a significant role in getting us promoted and we get our hands on that sweet, sweet Premier League money, then 15 million will seem like peanuts.
After promotion we can sell him back to a Championship club. If we make a 5-7 million quid loss on him, so what? We’ll still be rolling in cash to buy a real worldy of a striker with Rafa’s pulling power.
Bobbybee
Aug 3, 2016 at 2:10 PM
Comment #64Paul, we’ve got Sissoko and he hasn’t even got a heart, so Diame should be fine! 😉
lochinvar
Aug 3, 2016 at 2:13 PM
Comment #65Mark Douglas reports …Still expecting some sort of announcement on Ciaran Clark joining Newcastle today. Mo Diame is likely to join as well but might not be today.
But then again it’s Rafa’s news conference at 1pm tomorrow so maybe they’re waiting until then for that announcement,.
lochinvar
Aug 3, 2016 at 2:19 PM
Comment #66Martoon, here you are
Finish 1st
Points : 101
Lg cup : winner
FA Cup : 5th round
Best player: Perez
Top goal scorer : Gayle
No. of goals 19
gonufc (Newcastle United Sports Direct Advertising Club)
Aug 3, 2016 at 2:20 PM
Comment #67I don’t really understand these signings. Diame and Ciaran Clarke aren’t what I expected us to go for- I thought we’d buy potential and let them use the championship to grow into good premier league players- which with the rest of the squad being strong I thought we could do.
If we’re spending £10m+ on two signings effectively just for one season to be sold again then I just don’t trust Ashley to let the clue use it’s own money enough to replace those players next time.
Will we inevitably get the “I know you want X but we already have a 30+ year old Diame in that position….”
Well never mind, I guess it’s just getting the job done this season.
NUFCPaul
Aug 3, 2016 at 2:21 PM
Comment #68Bobbybee – it’s funny because it’s true!
G
Aug 3, 2016 at 2:21 PM
Comment #69@63, if we start paying that sort of cash for a 29 year old with little or no sell on value it sets us up for a dangerous precedent mate. I agree he’s a good player, but if we start paying that fee for a forward, then suddenly anybody under 29 suddenly becomes worth more. I think we are right to pass.
Nufc-83
Aug 3, 2016 at 2:24 PM
Comment #70Magscar as I say when he has been up too he has performed just as good if not better than the strikers we have had recently (although not saying much). For me Perez in terms of play style (not ability) is very very similar to Suarez and so can be deployed in many positions but will be good playing up top on his own as Suarez has done. All opinions as you say but that’s mine 🙂
gonufc (Newcastle United Sports Direct Advertising Club)
Aug 3, 2016 at 2:24 PM
Comment #71Sorry for the double post but on Perez – I see him as a poacher who can play. The first season he was here he showed he can get a goal from unorthodox positions/ methods and had the positioning for that. I feel he sometimes goes a bit quiet when he’s not simply looking to get on the end of something.
Novocastrian66
Aug 3, 2016 at 2:26 PM
Comment #72@ martoon;
Final Position 1st
Points 105
League cup 4th round
FA cup 5th Round
Player of the season Lascelles
TGS Mitrovic
No of goals 25
NUFCPaul
Aug 3, 2016 at 2:27 PM
Comment #73gonufc – your last sentence answers your own question. Why would we buy and play players with potential? Some of those players may not live up to their potential and we can’t take that chance. We absolutely cannot take any chances at all this year. We need players that can do the business in this league and get us out. You loan out your players with potential to other teams (Armstrong is a good example of this) so they can be tested elsewhere.
lochinvar
Aug 3, 2016 at 2:28 PM
Comment #74Sky sources: Mo Diame is this afternoon on Tyneside having a medical ahead of a £4.5m transfer from Hull City to Newcastle United.
So what was yesterday about?
magscar
Aug 3, 2016 at 2:29 PM
Comment #75NUFCPaul@63
That’s all fine but ideally Rafa is looking at that price £12M for a striker that can be considered as potential PL material as well, not just to be jettisoned if we are promoted.
It is not just a loss to be considered but assuming he came on high wages then which Championship club could possibly match them if we do go up and consider him surplus to requirements?
There is also the question of whether or not he might be happy to stay and gamble he will get game time in PL whatever our wishes.
We can all think of players who haven’t even warmed the bench and yet drawn ridiculous wages over the years – not blaming them but it happened a lot to us. Not saying he is that sort of player but it has to be factored in to a larger transfer fee and wages deal.
It is looking unlikely anyway and I believe that either Villa or Norwich may represent a better long term deal for him as is likely to get more than 1 season with them regardless of their final positions.
No PL team has been prepared to gamble on him since he was at Leeds drawing scouts from several PL clubs.
Hail Wor Ashley
Aug 3, 2016 at 2:36 PM
Comment #76Perez goes missing when he is played wide or asked to be the primary playmaker coming much deeper than he ought to.
Comes alive centrally, between the outer edges of the box and within 10 yards of the central edge of the box.
That’s why if he plays AM I hope it’s more as a second ST than the onus on him to be a creative type as part of a midfield 3.
____________Darlow____________
Janmaat__Hanley__Lascelles__Dummet
________Hayden__Shelvey
Ritchie______Perez_________Aarons
____________Gayle
My starting XI for Fulham.
Janmaat and Shelvey in particular of those starting must show renewed vigour and focus to gain some good faith from fans.
magscar
Aug 3, 2016 at 2:38 PM
Comment #77Nufc83@70
If he was a Suarez or Aquero type yes he can play as a lone striker but I think he can be moved off the ball far easier than either of those and also lacks pace with the ball.
We are talking 4231 not a 442 so ideally he plays best off a lone striker and would link with either Gayle, Mitro or ANother in Championship.
Isn’t it great though to have differences about players and who might come in rather than have to carp about manager, owner etc. 🙂
nut meg
Aug 3, 2016 at 2:39 PM
Comment #78McCormack will turn 30 on August 18th….information only guys.
Our Toon
Aug 3, 2016 at 2:43 PM
Comment #79I’ll go with naming a side
Sels
Anita, lascelles, Mbemba, dummett
Haydon, tiote/saivet
Ritchie, Perez, Aaron’s
Gayle
Away from home first game of the season it’s important to keep it tight and not concede early on, think 2 holding lads with Hayden having the ability to go box to box as best option.
G
Aug 3, 2016 at 2:44 PM
Comment #80HWA @ 76, I would pretty much go along with that line up. Maybe MBemba rather than Hanley, however, I would be happy with either line up.