Former Premier League midfielder Don Hutchison believes Lewis Miley must be reinstated in central midfield to help Newcastle United regain control in games, as head coach Matthias Jaissle faces selection questions ahead of the Crystal Palace match.
Midfield concerns under Jaissle
Newcastle's midfield has come under scrutiny after a string of poor results and uninspiring performances. Jaissle has switched from the 4-3-3 formation used by Eddie Howe to a 4-2-3-1, but observers have noted how open the team is in the centre of the park.
Often only one midfielder occupies a traditional midfield position, with Nico Gonzalez dropping into the backline and the No 10 acting as a second striker. Calls have been made for youngster Sean Steur to be recalled after he failed to play a minute in consecutive Premier League defeats against Coventry City and Aston Villa.
Hutchison's preferred midfield
Hutchison, however, says Steur is not the answer and has suggested moving Lewis Miley out of full-back and into the centre. He told BetBrain: "Lewis Miley has to play. For me, the midfield three would be Miley, Nico Gonzalez and Joelinton."
He added: "The supporters love Joelinton because he is a warrior, but he needs to do a little better. With those three, though, you have a competitive midfield with a good balance. Miley is a fantastic young player. Gonzalez can play as the No 6, protect the back four and start attacks, while Joelinton can get around the pitch."
Forward line concerns
Hutchison expressed bigger concerns further forward, saying: "I watch Newcastle and wonder where the goals are coming from. I don't know who is going to be their prolific attacking player. The midfield is something they can sort out, but the forward line needs to click."
On Steur, who has impressed since his £20m move from Ajax in the summer, Hutchison said: "He has done well. Technically, I think he has definitely got the ability and could become a really good signing. Physically, there is still room for improvement. He can learn from Nico Gonzalez because they operate in a similar position."
He added: "When you are a young player arriving from another country, you need time to adapt. The Premier League is quicker than most leagues, and you have to get up to speed with its physical demands. I think we might see him coming in and out of the side for a while as he develops."
