I mean how can you pick one? They are all bossing it at present. If I had to I would go Trippier, off the pitch and as a vice/captain he's been immense but on the pitch he's been defensively solid, plays puppet master with Miggy which benefits Miggy and laying on assists at a better rate than 1 per 2 games at present. Bar the Man City cup game he has played every minute so far this season and consistently performing to a high standard in every game. For £12m I'm not sure you'll find a better signing in the last 3/4/5 years at any club. Honorable mentions to Longstaff who's come back in and made us tick, Gordon and his work rate, Schar - who I've never been 100% sold on as I think he's a bit of a "pretty boy" who's more worried about his hair being perfect but he's done amazing so far this year, switched side which isn't easy for CB's when you are use to one side but he's looked immense.
Hard to look past Trippier like, he's incredible. Want to give a shout out to Bruno who has completely transformed his form recently, he was excellent these past two games. Longstaff has been superb for a bit now and his work ethic is incredible. Can see why Man Utd considered 60m for him now
There was never an official offer from Man Utd, they proper **** themselves when the figure of £50m was quoted.
Botman. We simply don't have an anywhere near adequate replacement for him. Lascelles or playing Burn CB is not it. No coincidence we've shipped 5 goals in the two away league games he's missed. Trippier aswell of course, but at least Livramento looks like he will be quality.
Pope Lacselles Longstaff Murphy all need replacing. Get 4 proper players to replace then them buy another striker and Newcastle will be a top 4 side of they get it right. Maybe 3 years away.
Trippier definitely. Defensively solid and without him we'd have literally no creativity coming on that right side.
Pope - Not sure who we'd replace him with? Cheeky offer for Ramsdale? Maybe look at Trafford if Burnley go back down? Lascelles - Antonio Silva (19 - Benfica) or Goncalo Inacio (22 - Sporting)? Longstaff - proved his worth, no need to sign a replacement Murphy - based on form so far, Minteh will come in for this
Pope looks very average, has for 6 months. Kicking is astonishingly bad - and I'm not even talking about passing out, literally kicking. I'd be in for Ramsdale, very hard done by - but then it comes at a premium, look at Spurs' keeper, unknown, cost nowt, looks excellent. Can't we get better scouting? I think we've hired about 715 since the new owners came in yet we're still buying people like Harvey Barnes. Midfield is over-stocked, if anything! However, I think Bruno will be bought. Madrid will get Mbappe for nothing, and spend the £100m on Bruno. That allows us to get a premium keeper, CB (those mentioned are ace) and then another developing striker. If Minteh and Hall are ready, saves a lot of money, and we'll shift out yet more of the dead wood.
Pope is a fantastic shot stopper and pretty decent and commanding the box but bang average on the ball. I think we'll get better next season but what a back up keeper to have. For 10m he was a bargain like. Was arguably MOTM vs Milan.