Newcastle United fans expected a lot more from Jacob Ramsey.
The 24-year-old has had little to no impact on Tyneside, despite becoming one of Newcastle United’s most expensive signings ever in the summer.
He arrived from Aston Villa for £43million, looking like a player who could force his way into Eddie Howe’s strongest XI. Instead, he is suddenly below Joe Willock in the pecking order.
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Jacob Ramsey did not play a single minute of Newcastle’s defeat to Sunderland, which spoke volumes given the Magpies’ desperation to get back into the game.
The summer signing was not trusted to help his side, and now Eddie Howe has issued a warning to the struggling midfielder.
Eddie Howe tells Jacob Ramsey what to do to start for Newcastle United
Ahead of Newcastle United vs Fulham in the Carabao Cup, Howe has spoken to the media.
The Newcastle United manager was asked what Ramsey needs to do to become a regular starter for his side. It is fair to say that his response was blunt and emphatic.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
“Same with any player that’s not playing,” he said via YouTube.
“When they get their opportunity, they need to perform.
“I’ve got no doubt that he will with the talent he has.”
Jacob Ramsey can unlock tactical tweak for Newcastle United
There is a genuine fear that Newcastle United have become predictable. The amount of games they have means they cannot play their rock and roll style, while they often look devoid of ideas when it comes to creating chances.
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One change Eddie Howe should consider is a change of formation, shifting from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1. That could inspire some creativity, especially if Ramsey is given the chance to be the Magpies’ attacking midfielder.
He was a constant goal threat for Aston Villa, but that has not been the case at Newcastle. He has not got a single goal or assist in any of his 12 appearances so far, but that could change by tweaking his position.
Playing him as an attacking midfielder could change that, getting him into more dangerous areas and giving him more responsibility.
As Howe says, Ramsey has the talent to succeed at St James’ Park. However, it is currently unclear where he fits in. He is not going to start on the left, while he looks lost in a midfield three alongside Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.
Moving him into a more offensive position could turn the tide, while it could breathe new life into a stuttering Toon attack.
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