The Patriot's Way: A Newcastle United Career Mode

[kjking70]

Recapping the Sale of Newcastle United
By: Kevin Perry

Newcastle Football Club has been abuzz over the last few days after owner Mike Ashley decided to sell the club to American billionaire Robert Kraft. Fans had been unhappy with Ashley’s management of the club and its finances, and many were happy to see a new face at the helm. Kraft is well known in America as the owner of the successful American football team, the New England Patriots. He also owns an MLS club, the New England Revolution, and, in a press conference held at St. James Park was quoted as saying, “The opportunity to be involved in premier soccer league worldwide and a club with a history as rich as Newcastle has been something I’ve been interested in for years. I’m very excited to embark on this new journey and bring the winning ways of the Patriots across the pond to such a prestigious club.” The Patriots are one of the most successful teams in the NFL, having won 6 Super Bowls since the turn of the century behind star quarterback Tom Brady. The Revolution, meanwhile, have had varying levels of success. They have reached the finals of the MLS Cup playoffs five times, although never winning it. They won the US Open Cup, the American equivalent of the FA Cup, in 2007, and have been to the final twice more. However, they have struggled in recent years and haven’t qualified for the playoffs in the past 3 seasons. Still, Kraft is confident that Newcastle will resemble the success that the Patriots have had. He said, “We’re going to follow the Patriots Way. That team was built with smart business, good talent evaluation, and excellent coaching. It will be more about the collective team than any one individual. We don’t expect to be breaking the bank on any one player, but instead identifying talent that we believe will thrive in our system.” Perhaps the most difficult aspect of that to replicate will be the coaching. Kraft has brought over a relatively unproven coach in former Revolution U19 manager KJ King, and has appointed him as manager. King will be in charge of transfers as well, and despite his lack of experience, Kraft spoke glowingly about him. “He’s seen the process and how well it worked in the NFL. He has been instrumental in helping develop talent at the Revolution, and the coaches all had nothing but positive things to say about him. I believe he is the right man to lead this club into the future.” King himself released a short statement, saying “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to manage such a great club, and I’m excited to get to work. I still have to meet with the squad and make decisions about our tactics and what areas might need strengthening for the upcoming season, but I look forward to the challenge and I think we will be successful.” While that all sounds good, Newcastle fans have had enough of nice words and will need to see results on the field. They have not won a league title since 1927, haven’t won the FA Cup since 1955, haven’t qualified for the Champions League since 2003, and haven’t played European football since 2013. Still, Kraft has a positive outlook for the future, ending his press conference by saying “We are going to be successful. I know this club can achieve greatness, and I won’t settle for anything less.”

[kjking70]

Re: The Patriot's Way: A Newcastle United Career Mode


I have a lot of free time coming up given that I’m home from college, so I decided to do a Career Mode. I find that Career Mode can be a bit repetitive, but I found Reddit user badgenes94, who has a collection of different challenges, and I gravitated towards one with Newcastle centering around the team being purchased by Robert Kraft. I adjusted it slightly, as you’ll see below, but I think this could be very fun.

Settings:
- Half Length: 5 minutes
- Difficulty: Ultimate
- Console: Xbox One

Finances


Rules:
1. Winning is not just expected, but required. I have to:

- Qualify for the Champions League within 3 years
- Win the FA Cup within 5 years
- Win the Premier League or Champions League within 5 years
- After the first PL/CL victory, I must win one or the other once every two years

Failure to do so will result in a firing.

2.The Patriots have succeed by finding undervalued talent. Newcastle will do the same. We will always have 3 youth scouts out looking for prospects others may gloss over. They will not be assigned to “traditional” soccer powers, such as Brazil, Germany, Spain, etc. The one exception is England, as the club will maintain a constant presence on the British Isles. The other two scouts will scour the world looking for talent in “lesser” nations. I will be using 1 star scouts to prevent the youth academy from being overpowered.

3. This is a business. We are in this to make money. You cannot spend more than you raise with player sales, plus 1/3 of your allocated transfer budget. In addition, no player wages may exceed $150,000.

4.No player is bigger than the club. Anyone who requests a transfer is free to leave.

5.Robert Kraft wants to make Newcastle a success in America as well. DeAndre Yedlin is the key to the American fanbase, so he cannot be sold and must remain happy.

6.I will not be using SoFIFA or any similar sites. I will also not be using training in an effort to make it just a bit more challenging.

7.Starting in January, I’ll be instituting storylines (transfer requests, suspensions, etc.) throughout the career using an RNG to select a player. Whatever the outcome, it must be applied to that player effective immediately. If you have any ideas, please let me know and I’ll implement them.

Any comments are welcome, and I hope you enjoy!

[kjking70]

Re: The Patriot's Way: A Newcastle United Career Mode


Reserved for Transactions

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Re: The Patriot's Way: A Newcastle United Career Mode


Reserved #2

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Re: The Patriot's Way: A Newcastle United Career Mode

Other Housekeeping

Here's the rest of the information dump for the start of this career mode. Here's it's a lot of different stuff, and I'm not sure which of the goals I'll end up hitting, but I'm really excited for this season. I'll have a preview of each position group coming soon, so be on the lookout for that.

[kjking70]

Re: The Patriot's Way: A Newcastle United Career Mode

Team Preview: Goalkeepers

By: Kevin Perry

Martin Dúbravka
Need to Know: Overall: 79, Age: 29, Nationality: Slovakian
The Slovakian international figures to play a prominent role between the sticks for the Magpies this season. He joined midway through last season, and was solid down the stretch for Newcastle, getting four clean sheets in twelve appearances, and won six games as the starting keeper. He had previously bounced around various clubs in central Europe, including Zilina, where he made the Champions League in 2010. Most recently, he was at Sparta Prague. He is known for his skill with his feet and ability to distribute the ball from the back. He’s also a good shot stopper, so look for him to feature often between the sticks under the new manager.


Karl Darlow
Need to Know: Overall: 73, Age: 27, Nationality: English
Darlow was once a promising goalkeeping prospect at Nottingham Forest, and while he’s never reached that potential, it looks like he’ll be seeing minutes for Newcastle this season. He recorded two clean sheets in his ten Premier League appearances, but he was a key member of the squad that battled through the Championship. I’d expect him to be the second choice for King, and see minutes in cup matches as well as stepping up if anything happens to Dúbravka.


Rob Elliot
Need to Know: Overall: 72, Age: 32, Nationality: Irish
Elliot has been at Newcastle since 2011, moving over from Charlton Athletic. He appeared in 16 games last season with 3 clean sheets, but there are some rumblings that he could be moving on from the club this season with the new manager. If he does end up sticking around, he’s a solid veteran who could contribute a lot in a leadership role, but he shouldn’t be expected to play huge minutes for this iteration of Newcastle. I wouldn’t be shocked if he’s one of the first players on the chopping block under the new boss given his age and the other players ahead of him.


Freddie Woodman
Need to Know: Overall: 66, Age: 21, Nationality: English
Woodman is one of the better English goalkeeping prospects at the moment. He’s featured for England at many youth levels, from the U16s to the U21s, and even won the Golden Glove at the U-20 World Cup in 2017. He has been out on loan for most of his career at Newcastle, with a stint at Aberdeen last year, and I wouldn’t be shocked to see him out on loan again next year. However, he could also stick around as a third choice keeper and see some minutes in cup settings and learn from Dúbravka, Darlow, and Elliot this year. What King, a coach renowned for his developmental abilities, chooses to do with Woodman will show us a lot about him and a good year for the youngster could get him first team minutes in the near future.


Nathan Harker
Need to Know: Overall: 57, Age: 19, Nationality: English
Harker has impressed with the U-23 squad, and he’s a prime candidate to be loaned out this season. There are plenty of squads in League Two that would love a chance to get their hands on Harker, and he could get some valuable experience this season. There is also a chance King chooses to keep him around and uses his own developmental skills with the young keeper. Either way, Harker probably won’t make a big impact on the team this year, but he’s one to watch for Newcastle.

[kjking70]

Re: The Patriot's Way: A Newcastle United Career Mode

Team Preview: Fullbacks

By: Kevin Perry

DeAndre Yedlin
Need to Know: Overall: 76, Age: 24, Nationality: USA, Position: RB
Ever since arriving from Tottenham, Yedlin has been a crucial part of the Newcastle team. He’s appeared in 66 matches over the past two seasons, and managed to bag one goal from the wingback position. Known for his blistering pace, Yedlin will be running up and down the right side of the pitch for Newcastle. Reports out of the squad are that Kraft loves Yedlin, and King shares his sentiments, so expect a heavy dose of him this season. His defending still needs work, but in the right system, Yedlin could be a high impact player who provides a ton of pace down the wing.


Paul Dummett
Need to Know: Overall: 75, Age: 26, Nationality: Wales, Position: LB
With three left backs on the roster, there is speculation that one could be moved heading into the season. Dummett is the name who could be on the chopping block, given he is the oldest of the group. He’s been at Newcastle his entire career, but with a new administration in place, that may not mean much any longer. After an injury kept him out for most of the first half of 2017-18, Dummett featured prominently for Newcastle, and he could do so once again. He is more solid defensively than Yedlin, although he offers less going forward. If he does end up staying, Dummett will be more of a solid presence at the back and uphold the past values of Newcastle.


Antonio Barreca
Need to Know: Overall: 74, Age: 23, Nationality: Italy, Position: LB, On Loan From: AS Monaco
Barreca’s place on the roster is set, on loan from AS Monaco for the year. While the Italian couldn’t find minutes over in France, he should have no problem cracking the rotation in Newcastle. He’s more of a Yedlin-esque player, with good pace and attacking instincts than defensive instincts. He has amassed 3 goals and 13 assists in his career thus far, including a stellar season on loan in Serie B at AS Cittadella from Torino, when he had 1 goal and 8 assists. His play there and with Torino earned him a transfer to Monaco, but when it became clear he wouldn’t find time, he was loaned out to Newcastle. Depending on what King wants to do, Barreca could be a starter opposite Yedlin, giving the Magpies some serious attacking power from their wingbacks. If he wants to play more conservatively, than Barreca could be second choice or worse. Barreca’s play time will depend on the system the new manager implements and whether or not it highlights his strengths.


Javier Manquillo
Need to Know: Overall: 73, Age: 24, Nationality: Spain, Position: LB
Manquillo is entering his second season with Newcastle, and he brings a level of prestige from his former clubs. He started in Real Madrid’s youth academy, before moving across town to Atletico Madrid. He went out on loan to Liverpool, Marseille, and Sunderland throughout his career, before being sold to Newcastle. He also played for various levels of Spain’s youth teams, and throughout his career he has 1 goal and 7 assists. He’s the most well rounded of the full backs at the club, with the ability to play on either flank and contribute going forward as well as defensively. While he may not be a regular starter, he should be in the rotation regularly given his versatility.


Jamie Sterry
Need to Know: Overall: 61, Age: 22, Nationality: England, Position: RB
Sterry is in a very interesting position at the moment. He is the only natural right back outside of DeAndre Yedlin on the roster, so he may be needed for cover. While it may be best for him to go out on loan, it seems as if he might be needed this season at Newcastle. He’s played sparingly throughout his tenure with Newcastle and has never looked special, but he could be thrust into a bigger role.


Achraf Lazaar
Need to Know: Overall: 67, Age: 26, Nationality: Morocco, Position: LB, On Loan At: Sheffield Wednesday
Lazaar arrived from Palmero prior to the 2016 season, but has yet to have much of an impact for the club. He’s only made 15 appearances for Newcastle, including their youth teams, he’s been out on loan twice now, heading to Sheffield United for the season. He does have 17 appearances for Morocco, and there is hope surrounding the club that if he has a successful loan spell, he can establish himself with the club. However, I think it’s more likely he ends up never playing a game again for Newcastle than becoming a regualr.


Liam Gibson
Need to Know: Overall: 55, Age: 21, Nationality: England, Position: LB, On Loan At: Accrington Stanley
The youngster has had health issues in the past, suffering from ulcerative colitis that kept him out for all of last season. He’s still recovering, and may not feature early in the season for Accrington Stanley, but just getting back on the field in a win for this young man. While he may not have a future at Newcastle, he should be able to carve out a career in football at lower levels. Still, a good loan spell can change his future, and with a new regime, anything is possible for Gibson.

[kjking70]

Re: The Patriot's Way: A Newcastle United Career Mode

Team Preview: Center Backs
By: Kevin Perry

Jamaal Lascelles
Need to Know: Overall: 78, Age: 24, Nationality: England
The captain of the Newcastle side at just 24, Lascelles figures to be one of the cornerstones of the side. A veteran of the England youth sides, he started his career at Nottingham Forest, where he impressed before joining Newcastle in 2014. He’s coming off a very strong year for the Magpies, appearing in 33 games and scoring 3 goals. He’s a sturdy presence at the back, with good leadership to organize the defense. He is also a strong tackler and physical presence who makes life tough for opposing attackers. While nothing is assured under the new manager, King would be hard pressed to find a better and more well respected center back option than Lascelles.


Florian Lejeune
Need to Know: Overall: 78, Age: 27, Nationality: France
Lejeune is well traveled in his career thus far. He started in his native France before moving to Villareal in Spain. He never managed to catch on, instead going back to France on loan twice before joining Girona, where he thrived. He scored 5 goals in the Spanish second division, and it was enough to catch the eyes of their parent club, Manchester City. He never appeared in a match for the Citizens, being loaned out to Girona for his lone season with the club, and was sold to Eibar in Spain, where he once again impressed. He then joined Newcastle after one season with Eibar, and he was solid in his time last season, making 24 appearances and picking up two assists. He’s very good with the ball at his feet, and he’s good in the air as well, which has led to him scoring a solid amount of goals for a center back. He can also be deployed in the midfield if need be, and he should be an excellent partner for Lascelles. His ball playing style fits well next to the more physical game of Lascelles, and hopes are high that he can rediscover his Spanish league form after a year in the Premier League.


Fabian Schär
Need to Know: Overall: 77, Age: 26, Nationality: Switzerland
Schär rose to relevance at FC Basel, where he gained Champions League experience as well as making a name for himself internationally, debuting with the Swiss national team. He then moved to Hoffenheim for two seasons and Deportivo La Coruña for a season before being bought by Rafa Benitez prior to the takeover by Robert Kraft. He’s also appeared in two World Cups and one Euros for Switzerland, and he has a penchant for grabbing goals with his head. He scored 7 for Switzerland, and has picked up 21 in his club career thus far. He’s an explosive leaper, which makes him a threat on corners, and he is also fairly skilled with the ball at his feet. He is a similar player to Lejeune, and you’d imagine one of them ends up starting next to Lascelles. I have Lejeune pegged to grab the spot, but Schär will be a key member of this defense.


Ciaran Clark
Need to Know: Overall: 76, Age: 28, Nationality: Ireland
The Irish international could be on the chopping block this year. Newcastle has a surplus of quality defenders, and many have speculated that there is a minutes crunch that one player may not survive. Clark has also been linked with a move back to Aston Villa, his original club, who are said to be looking for another center back. During his time at Newcastle, he has been rock solid at the back, including featuring in the center of defense with Lascelles during the season in the Championship. He’s a rock at the back, and was solid in the Premier League last year. While he could be on the move, if he does stay, he should be involved in the defensive rotation and feature in quite a few games.


Federico Fernandez
Need to Know: Overall: 76, Age: 29, Nationality: Argentina
Fernandez has been a solid defender for years now. He moved to Napoli from Estudiantes in Argentina when he was 22, and was in the rotation for Napoli throughout his time there, including scoring two goals in a Champions League fixture against Bayern Munich. He then moved to Swansea City, and was a fixture in the center of defense for the Swans for years. After Swansea’s relegation, he moved on to Newcastle, where he was planning to reunite with Rafa Benitez, who was fired when Robert Kraft bought the club. He also was a member of the 2014 Argentinian World Cup squad, where he featured in four games, all wins. He’s not the quickest player anymore, but his defensive skills are still up to par and he could see some minutes this season off the bench.


Kelland Watts/Owen Bailey
Need to Know: Overall: 58/58, Age: 18/19, Nationality: England/England
Watts and Bailey are very similar players, as youngsters who don’t figure to feature much in the squad outside of possibly cup matches. They are prime candidates to be loaned out this season and develop at the lowest levels of English football before hopefully turning into contributors. They are also the exact type of player King is said to specialize with, as he has a developmental background and he may want to keep them in his own system. Either way, they figure to be developmental prospects for the near future.

[kjking70]

Re: The Patriot's Way: A Newcastle United Career Mode

Team Preview: Midfielders
By: Kevin Perry

Miguel Almiron
Need to Know: Overall: 81, Age: 24, Nationality: Paraguay, Position: CAM
Almiron was said to be on the radar of the previous administration, and they were going to purchase him from Atlanta United in January, after the MLS season ended. However, with the MLS ties of the new manager, the deal with expedited to get Almiron in before the season. He impressed with Atlanta after coming into the league from Argentina, scoring 9 goals and picking up 8 assists last season, and was off to a hot start this year as well. Almiron has also appeared 15 times for Paraguay, although he is still searching for his first international goal. He's very skillful, with excellent pace, ball control, and vision, which makes him incredibly dangerous for opposing defenses. Given how much King wanted to bring him into the team, he figures to feature prominently as a playmaker for the Magpies, a role he thrived in with Atlanta. He may struggle with the adjustment to the Premier League from the MLS, but if he can find the same form, Almiron will be a force to be reckoned will for Newcastle.


Jonjo Shelvey
Need to Know: Overall: 78, Age: 26, Nationality: England, Position: CM
Once considered a bright prospect with Liverpool, Shelvey has settled at a slightly lower level, with successful stints at Swansea and now Newcastle. He was excellent for Newcastle during their season in the Championship, with 5 goals and 12 assists, and had 2 goals and 3 assists last season. The issue for him has always been keeping his cool, as he's known to be a hothead and his temper can get the best of him. He can also be inconsistent, going through highs and lows in his form. When he's on, he's a deep lying playmaker who can spray passes all across the field as well as breaking up the play with hard nosed tackling. When he's not, he aimlessly drifts around the pitch and badly mistimes tackles, often resulting in cards. A large portion of Newcastle's success this year will depend on whether or not King can unlock the talent inside Shelvey consistently and make him a big time contributor.


Ki Sung Yueng
Need to Know: Overall: 76, Age: 29, Nationality: South Korea, Position: CM
Another ex-Swansea player, the South Korean international is a calming midfield presence. He announced he was leaving Swansea after they were relegated, and he joined Newcastle and chose to stick with the club through the managerial change. He comes over after a very successful career with the Swans, having picked up 12 goals and picking up 6 assists. He has a knack for picking up goals, doing so at Celtic, his previous stop, as well and scoring 10 for the Korean national team. However, he's most known for his cerebral passing ability. He strides through the midfield, linking together passes and always looking like he's in the right place on the field. He figures to be a key figure in the rotation, whether it's as a full time starter or a key bench piece.


Mohamed Diame
Need to Know: Overall: 75, Age: 31, Nationality: Senegal, Position: CM
Diame is well traveled around England, with stops at Wigan, West Ham, and Hull City before Newcastle. He's been quite solid throughout his time with the Magpies, getting 8 goals and 3 assists through the years. He's also made 31 appearances for the Sengalese national team, and picked up a goal for them as well. Diame is a much more defensive minded player than the rest of the players discussed thus far, and he's known for his physicality in the midfield. He's a tough tackler, and while the rest of his game is less refined, there's absolutely a role for that. One storyline to note for the upcoming season is that Diame is on an expiring contract, and there have been rumors that Newcastle won't look to extend the veteran midfielder. If he remains with the club, expect him to feature occasionally and provide a toughness to the midfield.


Isaac Hayden
Need to Know: Overall: 74, Age: 23, Nationality: England, Position: CDM
One of the reasons Diame may be allowed to leave is the presence of Hayden. Many people surrounding the club are very high on his long term potential, and they think he can be a consistent role player throughout the season. After starting his career with Arsenal and gracing the England youth teams, he made a move to Hull on loan before joining Newcastle. While he has 3 goals and 4 assists during his time with the Magpies, he's more known for his defensive work. He is adept at winning the ball back, either through tackling or with an interception. Hayden has experience playing across the back line, but he's most comfortable in the midfield where he can be a little more aggressive with his attempts to win the ball back. Based on feedback I've heard from the staff, he could have a bigger role than some were expecting, and he might seize a starting role by the halfway point of the season.


Sean Longstaff
Need to Know: Overall: 66, Age: 20, Nationality: England, Position: CM
Longstaff has received glowing reviews from the new staff in training. The youngster was on loan at Blackpool last season, and he really impressed, scoring 8 goals and picking up 5 assists. He has also shone with Newcastle youth sides, and per sources, King is enamored with the youngster. He's got a knack for passes, and he's apparently scored a few screamers. However, he's apparently a year away from contributing consistently, and another loan may be in his future. He's a prospect to watch over the next few years, and he could be the next great Newcastle player.


Henri Saivet
Need to Know: Overall: 73, Age: 27, Nationality: Senegal, Position: CM, On Loan At: Bursaspor
Another Senegalese midfielder, he's never fully caught on with the Magpies. Ever since joining from Bourdeaux in 2016, he's been loaned out three times, including this year. He's heading to Turkey to play with Bursaspor after previous loans to Saint-Etienne and Sivasspor. Still only 27, he's got a shot to break into the Newcastle side, given his talent base. However, it's more likely he'll eventually depart without making an impact on the side.


Jack Colback
Need to Know: Overall: 71, Age: 28, Nationality: England, Position: CDM, On Loan At: Nottingham Forest
Colback has had an interesting career, starting with Newcastle's rival, Sunderland, before heading to the Magpies. He was great in his first season, contributing 4 goals and 7 assists, and he's got a chance to recapture that form with a loan to Championship side Nottingham Forest. He has a lot of versatility, with the ability to play as a left back and a central midfielder, and his passing ability is as good as anyone in the club. While he likely won't ever be a first team regular for Newcastle again, he's got a chance to be a rotation player if he can produce on his loan spell.


Daniel Barlaser
Need to Know: Overall: 63, Age: 21, Nationality: England, Position: CM, On Loan At: Accrington Stanley
A regular with the Newcastle youth sides, Barlaser has a shot to impress at Accrington Stanley. He briefly went out to Crewe Alexandra last year, but he's got a full season to get the chance to move up the ladder in the hierarchy of Newcastle. He's probably a few years away from being a factor, but he's someone to keep an eye on at the lower levels.

[kjking70]

Re: The Patriot's Way: A Newcastle United Career Mode

Team Preview: Wingers
By: Kevin Perry

Matt Ritchie
Need to Know: Overall: 77, Age: 28, Nationality: Scotland, Position: RM
Ritchie had a long climb to the top, slogging through the lower divisions of English football with teams like Portsmouth, Notts County, and Swindon Town. He was picked up by Bournemouth before the 2013 season, and quickly became a star in the Championship, scoring 31 goals and picking up 29 assists during his time with the Cherries. He kept his form up with Newcastle, with 23 goals and 22 assists for the Magpies. He's got an excellent left foot, cutting in off the right wing to make plays. His control allows him to beat his defender, where he can either unleash a thunderous shot or whip in a dangerous cross. He creates a ton of chances form the wing, and figures to be one of the most dangerous players under the new manager. Look for him to be one of the driving forces of the attack this year.


Kenedy
Need to Know: Overall: 75, Age: 22, Nationality: Brazil, Position: LM, On Loan From: Chelsea
Kennedy may be the biggest x-factor for Newcastle this year. Stuck behind some very talented players with Chelsea, he has a chance to impress with Newcastle and either earn more consistent playing time with Chelsea or possibly a permanent move to another club. He was loaned to Newcastle for the second half of last season, and contributed 2 goals and 2 assists during his 13 games. Prodigiously skilled with the ball at his feet, he has been known to show flashes of being a star and not being able to consistently replicate that form. Kenedy is also capable of playing on both wings and as a striker, so there are plenty of ways for KJ King to work him into the lineup. He's apparently been impressed from what he's seen in training, but Kenedy won't be handed anything. If he can consistently look like the dynamic attacking threat capable of beating his man off the dribble and either score or a goal or set up his teammates, then he could be in line for a breakout season. If not, his minutes could come sparingly in favor of a more sure thing.


Christian Atsu
Need to Know: Overall: 74, Age: 26, Nationality: Ghana, Position: LM
Another Chelsea outcast, Atsu made his move to Newcastle permanent after an impressive loan spell in 2016/17, which fans are hoping will happen with Kenedy as well. Previously having played for Porto, Everton, Bournemouth, and Chelsea, he's another tremondous dribbler, although his final product is often lacking. There are times where he seems more content to try and beat two men with fancy skill moves than pass to an open teammate, which may have contributed to him only accumulating 2 goals and 2 assists last year. He has impressed many a time, including with the Ghana national team, where he has 10 goals in 62 appearances, but he'll need to contribute more than skills in order to get a place in the starting 11. He appears to be in a battle with Kenedy for the starting spot on the left wing, and while he is more experienced, there are many inside the club, as well as plenty of fans, who believe the Brazilian could seize the starting spot. Either way, given the lack of depth on the wings, Atsu will be at the very least a key rotation player for Newcastle this season.


Victor Fernandez
Need to Know: Overall: 63, Age: 20, Nationality: Spain, Position: LM
Hailing from Barcelona, the talented Spanish winger is looking to make an impact on the first team this season. He's had some impressive performances for the youth squads with Newcastle, and he's another youngster that should be perfect for King to develop. With good ball control and the flair for a piece of skill, he has the makings of a talented winger. He still needs to adjust the English game, specifically the physicality, and he is a prime candidate to be sent out on loan this season. However, if he impresses in the preseason, he could stick around and be a depth option for cup fixtures.


Callum Roberts
Need to Know: Overall: 62, Age: 21, Nationality: England, Position: RM
Another talented young winger, Roberts has been a stalwart for the Newcastle youth sides, racking up 17 goals and 14 assists in the Premier League 2 over his career with Newcastle. Like Fernandez, he figures to be sent out on loan this season in order to gain more experience at the highest level and continue to develop his game. However, he is, at the moment, the only other right midfielder on the roster, behind Matt Ritchie, so if reinforcements aren't acquired, Roberts could be needed for depth purposes. I'd bet on him being sent out on loan to a lower league side, but he's certainly a name to watch.


Jacob Murphy
Need to Know: Overall: 72, Age: 23, Nationality: England, Position: RM, On Loan At: West Brom
Murphy came through the academy at Norwich City, and after being sent out on various loans early in his career, he broke through at Coventry City in the 2015/16 season, putting up 9 goals and 10 assists. He then impressed at Norwich the next year, with 8 goals and 8 assists for the Canaries, and earned a move to Newcastle. He didn't find the same form in the Premier League, only earning a goal and assists through 25 games, and elected to go on loan with West Brom in the Championship to rediscover that stellar form. He's still young, despite his extensive experience, and with good pace and ball control, he still has a bright future ahead of him. Newcastle fans should keep an eye on him with West Brom, as if he impresses, he could be in line for a big role with the Magpies next season.


Rolando Aarons
Need to Know: Overall: 70, Age: 22, Nationality: England, Position: LM, On Loan At: Sheffield Wednesday
Aarons is a product of the Newcastle youth system, where he has consistently impressed, and like Murphy, his pace and skill with the ball at his feet signal better days ahead. Sheffield Wednesday figure to be a good spot for him, as he can get first team experience while staying close to home, unlike his ill-fated loan spell with Hellas Verona last season. He's still regarded as one of Newcastle's top prospects, and a good season could vault him into the starting conversation for 19-20. He's definitely not one that should be forgotten about.

[kjking70]

Re: The Patriot's Way: A Newcastle United Career Mode

Team Preview: Forwards
By: Kevin Perry

Salomón Rondón
Need to Know: Overall: 78, Age: 28, Nationality: Columbia, On Loan From: West Brom
The Venezuelan international has joined Newcastle on loan after three successful seasons at West Brom. He scored 28 goals during his time with them, and had previously been successful in Russia and Spain. His international career is also strong, with 24 goals in 77 games. Rondon is a bruising target man with a knack for goals. He's also deceptively quick, and he can score with either foot and his head. He's surely the odds on favorite to lead Newcastle in goals this year, and given the amount of creators around him, Rondon could near his career high 14 goals that he amassed in 2010/11. I think he could have a big season for Newcastle this season.


Ayoze Perez
Need to Know: Overall: 77, Age: 24, Nationality: Spain, Position: CF
Perez has been a success story at Newcastle. He tore up the Spanish second division with Tenerife, scoring 16 goals and providing 7 assists at age 20, and earned a move to Newcastle. He's since scored 35 goals for the Magpies in his four seasons, and provided 13 assists. Compared to Rondon, he's more of a secondary striker, with the ability to even play as an attacking midfielder or on the wing if the situation calls for it. He adds more pace and creativity in the center of the pitch than Rondon, although that may not be called for with this team. Depending on what King wants to do, he could be the starting striker over Rondon. However, if I were a betting man, I'd say Perez is more of a super sub type of player who will be brought on to add a creative spark or start in games when Rondon needs a rest.


Yoshinori Mutō
Need to Know: Overall: 76, Age: 25, Nationality: Japan
Muto first popped onto the scene when he caught fire for FC Tokyo, scoring 26 goals in two years and earning a move to Mainz. Once he got there, he continued his form with 23 goals and 11 assists over three seasons in Germany, and Rafa Benitez picked up the Japanese striker, who has made 29 appearances and scored 3 goals for his national team. When he is on the pitch, he’s a jack of all trades, master of none. He’s got solid pace, finishing, dribbling, and passing, although he isn’t excellent in any one area. Muto is mostly a poacher, although looking at the current roster, it’s tough to see where he finds playing time. With Rondon and Perez ahead of him, he’s got two other established strikers ahead of him, and he wasn’t signed by King, and it’s unclear how the new manager feels about him. Still, the ability to score goals is very valuable, and he could carve out a role with his ability to put the ball in the net, but don’t count on him being a regular.


Joselu
Need to Know: Overall: 74, Age: 28, Nationality: Spain
If Muto is going to have trouble finding minutes, then Joselu looks to be in a lot of trouble for the upcoming year. He’s played all around Europe, including stops at Celta, Real Madrid, Hoffenheim, Hannover, and Stoke before arriving at Newcastle. However, he seems to be the odd man out in the forward rotation, with the other players excelling in more areas than he does, with better goal scoring instincts, strength, pace, ball control, and link up play than the Spaniard. I’d guess he ends up being sold before the season, with better players ahead of him taking away minutes from him.


Elias Sørensen
Need to Know: Overall: 60, Age: 18, Nationality: Denmark
Sorenson started his career in his native Denmark before quickly being bought by the Magpies. He’s played for Denmark up to the U21 level, and the youngster has a bright future. While he would benefit from a loan, Sorenson has said that he is still getting settled in England, and King reportedly has a developmental system in mind for the young striker already. He’s still mostly raw talent, and his game needs refinement, but he’s got a bright future ahead of him, and fans should keep him in mind for the next few years to see how he develops.


Dwight Gayle
Need to Know: Overall: 76, Age: 27, Nationality: England, On Loan At: West Brom
Gayle started in the Arsenal youth system, and moved around the lower levels of England before catching on at Crystal Palace. He scored 25 goals for the Eagles, and moved to Newcastle ahead of their Championship season, and he tore up the league, scoring 23 goals and providing 4 assists to help them return to the Premier League. Most known for his blistering pace, he struggled last season, only managing 6 goals and 3 assists, and has chosen to go on loan to West Brom. Back in the Championship, the hope is he can rediscover his form and provide value in the future. However, I wouldn’t be shocked to see him moving down that level permanently if he succeeds once again this year. He may have played his last game in the black and white for Newcastle.