Under the spotlight: Newcastle United’s rock-solid rearguard
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United are flying high in the Premier League this season, with only Arsenal and Manchester City above them.
Their form is in part due to their formidable back line, which has kept the most clean sheets in Europe’s top five leagues this term (12), conceding just 11 goals.
Ahead of their Premier League clash with relegation strugglers West Ham, we used the Twenty3 Toolbox to identify the key components of their rock-solid rearguard.
Sure-fire Schar
One of the longest-serving players that remains in the Newcastle starting lineup is centre-back, Fabian Schar.
The Swiss is thriving for the Magpies in 2022-23, boasting a team-high number of interceptions (129), aerial duels won (64), and ball recoveries completed (254).
He is also one of his side’s key distributors of the ball. No team-mate has completed more long passes (85), and only Kieran Trippier has more total passes (713 to 771).
The veteran centre-half previously brushed to the side by Steve Bruce has quietly become one of their most important players in one of Europe’s most formidable defences.
Signing of the season Sven
Summer signing Sven Botman from Lille has been an outstanding addition to Newcastle.
The Dutchman is an imposing, battle-hardened defender who is also keenly aware and composed in the heat of play.
Botman has been successful in 154 of his 178 attempted defensive actions, as well as registering an impressive 91 interceptions and 31 loose balls won.
He is secure on the ball, completing 696 passes with an accuracy of 90.27% – crucial in a modern-day centre-back.
This combination of defensive solidity and composure to play out from the back under pressure is key to any top side and – in the 23-year-old – Newcastle have found their defensive cornerstone for years to come.
Full-backs thriving
Dan Burn and Kieran Trippier feature on either side of Newcastle’s central defensive pairing.
Burn, a boyhood fan of the club, joined from Brighton in the summer – the 6ft 6in defender has been employed as a left-back for Howe’s side and excelled.
His physicality, both in the air and on the ground, makes him difficult to get past, even when faced with particularly technical wingers.
As a natural centre-back, he is naturally minded to take up more conservative positions, racking up an impressive 106 interceptions and 180 ball recoveries as a result.
Meanwhile, Trippier provides an attacking threat with his vision and pinpoint passing, helping to unpick defences by combining on the right wing with Miguel Almiron.
He has assisted an exceptional 52 shots, the joint-best record in the league alongside Kevin De Bruyne, earning three assists.
Trippier is equally active defensively, pressing high up the pitch – as opposed to Burn, who sits slightly deeper – and has won a team-high 92 defensive duels.
Prospering Pope
When the Magpies signed goalkeeper Nick Pope for a modest £10million, few took notice – but he is now looking to be one of the club’s most shrewd acquisitions.
The 30-year-old shot-stopper has been imperious, managing 57 saves this season – when called into action, he has demonstrated quick reflexes and safe hands.
He is given the responsibility of marshalling a high line and, when needed, sweeps up any balls in behind the defence.
His outstanding saves and command of the back four have played a major part in Newcastle’s impressive defensive record.
It is fair to say that he has more than justified his £10m transfer fee.
Howe far can they go?
Behind the team’s success this season is head coach Howe, who became the first English manager this century to go 15 top-flight games unbeaten – which is also the best run in Newcastle’s history.
His side are looking to secure European football for the first time since 2012-13 and are closing in on Champions League football for the first time in 20 years.
There is still some way to go, but the Magpies have already demonstrated their credentials by taking points on the road against Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham.
Those valuable results have helped them into a strong position in the second half of the season as Howe’s side push for a top-four spot.
All graphics in this article were produced with the Twenty3 Toolbox. For more information, please get in touch below.