Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe will be targeting a fast start to the new Premier League season after masterminding a great escape last campaign.
The cub were struggling in 19th when Howe took over last November and seemed destined for relegation until, backed by the new owners with a successful January transfer window, he turned their fortunes around and they climbed to finish in 11th place.
Howe has been overseeing a pre-season trip to Lisbon, where Allan Saint-Maximin, Bruno Guimaraes, Jamaal Lascelles and the rest of the Toon stars were put through their paces at the Federacao Portuguese de Futebol.
Newcastle face Portuguese side Benfica at the Estadio da Luz on Tuesday evening before Serie A Atalanta visit St James’ Park on Friday and La Liga outfit Athletic Bilbao the following day ahead of the opening league fixture against promoted Nottingham Forest on August 6.
Howe has drafted in sporting performance expert Dave Brailsford to address the squad ahead of the kick-off.
Brailsford, who masterminded the rise of British cycling on track and road with his concentration on marginal gains, shared his thoughts with the Magpies’ coaching staff and players during the Portuguese training camp.
Howe told the club’s website: “I have been aware of Sir Dave’s approach and his incredible achievements at the very elite level of sport for a long time and I was delighted to finally meet him.
“He has overseen so much success in specific disciplines, but his principles are transferable to any competitive sporting environment.
Newcastle player ratings 2021-22
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NEWCASTLE END OF SEASON RATINGS: (Managers) Eddie Howe: 9. Took over in November with the team in bottom three and without a win from 11 games. Finished the season 11th with 13 wins. Bought well in January, backed by the club's new owners, and revitalised a number players already at the club, including the likes of Jonjo Shelvey, Joelinton and Ryan Fraser. PA -
Steve Bruce: 2. Allowed to bring in just one player by then owner Mike Ashley during the summer when he clearly wanted and needed more. Had long lost the backing of fans and left soon after the new Saudi-backed owners took over club. His final game - Bruce's 1,000th match as a manager - was a 3-2 defeat at home to Spurs - with team second bottom and without a win from eight games. Reuters -
(Goalkeepers) Martin Dubravka 7. Missed the start of the season due to injury and his return to the team in November was much needed as the two other keepers had failed to convince in his absence. Fine shot-stopper but culpable for a few poor goals and will be a surprise if 33-year-old is still No 1 at start of next campaign. Reuters -
Karl Darlow: 4. Capable of pulling off superb saves but guilty of some basic errors (see Brentford home) and doesn't command his area or look confident on crosses. Lost his place soon after Howe's arrival and could be heading for exit this summer. Getty -
Freddie Woodman: 3. Has shone brightly for England youth teams and on loan at second-tier Swansea City but struggled on step up to top-flight level, highlighted by an error-strewn display in the 4-1 defeat at Manchester United. Sent out on loan to Bournemouth where he played just one FA Cup game. Reuters -
(Defenders) Ciaran Clark: 4. His most important contribution to the season was a disastrous sending off against Norwich after nine minutes, resulting in Joelinton being shifted into a midfield role that has relaunched the Brazilian's career. Clark would start only one more game that season - a 4-0 thrashing by Manchester City. Reuters -
Paul Dummett: 5. Barely played due to injury - making only three appearances - but still rewarded with one-year contract extension by Howe who described the Geordie full-back as "a consummate professional". EPA -
Fabian Schar: 8. One of a number of players revitalised under Howe. Stylish Swiss defender had fallen out of favour with Bruce but became first-choice under Howe and has just been handed new two-year deal. EPA -
Jamaal Lascelles: 6. Club captain has fallen down the pecking order since the January arrival of Dan Burn and his time at the club could well be up this summer. No longer the commanding figure of the Rafa Benitez era and his lack of pace and mobility a problem in the Premier League - but attitude and commitment can not be faulted. Getty -
Matt Ritchie: 5. A winger forced to play as full-back or wingback due to lack of options. Not good enough defensively but tireless runner still capable of whipping in dangerous crosses. Probably another whose time at club has run its course. Reuters -
Jamal Lewis: 4. An injury-wrecked campaign for the left-back who was left out of the 25-man Premier League squad in January due to the new arrivals but Howe insists the former Norwich man will get a chance to prove himself in pre-season. AP -
Matt Targett: 8. Left-back proved a vital signing on loan from Aston Villa in a position where Newcastle were desperately short. Solid defensively, good pushing forward and his crossing from out wide a useful weapon to have - would be a surprise if club do not agree to turn move into permanent £15m deal. PA -
Kieran Trippier: 8. A statement signing from Atletico Madrid in January who slotted seamlessly into the team and looks set to take over from Lascelles as club captain. Dead-ball skills are a huge asset - as shown by his superb free-kick against Everton - and is already a huge fan favourite despite breaking his foot in February that ruled him out until May. Getty -
Emil Krafth: 7. Swedish defender has looked a squad player, at best, since his arrival in 2019 but really stepped up to the plate after Trippier's injury in February, producing by far and away his best spell in the team. Getty -
Federico Fernandez: 5. Another defender whose season has been decimated by injury. The veteran Argentine started only five league games and will likely be leaving this summer. PA -
Javier Manquillo: 6. Spanish defender's versatility has been a bonus and has done a job playing either full-back position, although injuries have restricted the 28-year-old to 15 league starts. PA -
Dan Burn: 8. The 1.98m tall January signing from Brighton has been a revelation at centre-half, arguably more comfortable on the ground than in the air, despite his height. Described joining his boyhood club as a "risk" that he "was never going to turn down" and his committed performances have made him hugely popular with fans. AFP -
(Midfielders) Joelinton: 8. A remarkable transformation from striker who couldn't score to marauding box-to-box midfielder. A powerhouse in the middle of the park whose tireless running has made him a cult hero with fans and helped seal the club's Player of the Year award. Brazilian even chipped in with two goals in the April win at Norwich. EPA -
Jonjo Shelvey: 7. Howe made it clear from Day 1 how much he rates the midfielder and Shelvey has clearly relished the belief the manager has in him. Passing ability has never been in doubt but even concerns about his lack of mobility seem to have been dispelled since the turn of the year. Free-kick winner against Leeds in January kick-started team's revival. Reuters -
Isaac Hayden: 5. Midfielder admitted he was "bitterly disappointed" to be left out of the 25-man squad in January with injuries severely restricting the former Arsenal man's contributions. Solid presence at anchorman but looks like his time is up on Tyneside. AP -
Ryan Fraser: 7. The free transfer signing from Bournemouth had endured a fairly miserable time since arriving in 2020 but suddenly clicked into gear at the start of the year. The Scottish wideman was a key performer in the team's rise up the table and would rum himself to a standstill such was his effort in some of the games. AFP -
Jacob Murphy: 6. Has become an important squad player this season but can be frustrating to watch and has repeatedly shown a lack of composure when through on goal. One injury-time miss at Watford in September left one local radio commentator screaming: "No! Just put it in the net!" and became a viral hit on social media in the north east. AFP -
Joe Willock: 5. A hugely disappointing season for the £22m summer signing who had been superb during a loan spell from Arsenal the previous campaign. Willock managed just two goals all season and looked short of confidence throughout. Will be interesting to see whether he can recapture the goalscoring form shown at the start of 2021. AFP -
Sean Longstaff: 6. Signs during the last couple of weeks that the local boy might be rediscovering the sort of form that he produced when he first burst on to the scene in the Benitez era. Just signed a new three-year contract and will be looking to kick-on next season. Reuters -
Jeff Hendrick: 3. Irish midfielder has never settled since his free transfer arrival in 2020 and was farmed out on loan to second-tier QPR in January. Certain to leave St James' Park this summer. Getty -
Bruno Guimaraes: 9. What a player this man looks. A January signing that highlights the club's ambitions. Strong runner, biting in the tackle, superb passing skills and is even chipping in regularly with goals from midfield. The fans love him and should be the heartbeat of this side for years to come. PA -
(Attackers) Allan Saint-Maximin: 8. The great enigma. His pace and trickery make him a defender's worst nightmare and is simply unplayable on his day. But also hugely frustrating for teammates and fans alike with his decision-making, final ball and habit of running down blind alleys. The Frenchman has to add consistency to his game if he wants to reach the next level. Getty -
Miguel Almiron: 6. The Paraguayan is another frustrating figure at the club. Faultless work ethic, lightning quick but simply not enough goals or assists for an attacker. Showed he can do it with stunning winner against Crystal Palace in April but needs to do it on a far more regular basis. Getty -
Callum Wilson: 7. Would be higher mark if not for the injury problems that have blighted his time on Tyneside. Pacy and powerful striker finished as the club's top scorer (with eight goals, bagging a double against Burnley on final day of season) despite missing half the season through injury. If Newcastle can keep him fit, would be nudging the 20-goal mark. PA -
Chris Wood: 5. A striker has to be judged on his goals and the £25m January signing from then relegation rivals Burnley simply has not delivered on that front. Two goals is not enough but did provide Newcastle with a much-needed focal point up front in Wilson's absence. AFP -
Dwight Gayle: 3. Striker resctricted to cameo appearances for the last few minutes of games. Getty
“It was great for him to spend some time with the group, to share his insights and to stimulate thought and discussion as we approach the new season.”
Goalkeeper Nick Pope and defenders Matt Targett and Sven Botman have been added to the squad, but the club are continuing their efforts to recruit attacking reinforcements with Paris St Germain’s Julian Draxler the latest to be linked with a switch to Tyneside.
Pictures of the Newcastle squad in training can be seen in the gallery above. To view the next image, just swipe or click on the arrows.
