Matthias Jaissle has barely been in the Newcastle United hotseat for two weeks, but already his to-do list is a lengthy one. The race is on to add to his squad with a fortnight of the summer transfer window left, but when it comes to identifying key positions, the new Magpies head coach could be forgiven for wondering where to start.
Frontline conundrum
United will address certain issues before 11pm on September 1 when the window closes, but other solutions will have to be found in-house. One 'problem' the German needs to get right in the coming weeks is finding the right combination of players to form his new-look frontline.
He has two wingers to pick from on both flanks - Bazoumana Toure and Harvey Barnes on the left, Jacob Murphy and Anthony Elanga on the right - with all four offering different skillsets. The central attacking roles are more complicated, however. Pre-season has seen Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade employed in both the No 10 and traditional No 9 positions, while Will Osula has predominantly been used as an out-and-out striker.
Mixed pre-season form
There has been varying degrees of success. Wissa bagged two goals in the win over Valencia and has generally looked sharp, while Osula earned his first goal of the summer when his high press eventually led to his goal against RC Strasbourg. Woltemade remains the conundrum. He has been handed the deep-lying role he craved, with a striker ahead of him, and yet has still struggled to impose himself on games, with the exception of the usual touch or two which hints at his true talent. But when it comes to the cut and thrust of the Premier League, it appears the German needs too much time on the ball to allow his skills to shine.
Ramsey the answer
So what are Jaissle's alternatives? Well the best player on the pitch in a Newcastle shirt against Strasbourg was Jacob Ramsey. The former Aston Villa man has been used as one of a central midfield pair so far this summer, but I would argue Newcastle can get the best out of him by employing him further up the pitch. He has the pace, creativity and vision to fashion chances in the hole on the edge of the 18-yard box, and the energy to both burst into the box and not leave his team-mates short-handed on the counter-attack.
Ramsey didn't quite carve out a niche in the side under Eddie Howe last season, but can claim this role as his own . . . if given the chance. Newcastle hope to sign an experienced midfielder before the window closes, and with Lewis Miley, Sean Steur, Aladji Bamba, Joelinton and Joe Willock already competing for places, the time is right to hand Ramsey the keys to the attacking quartet. For all the excitement over Newcastle's young signings this summer, the 25-year-old could be the man to ignite United's attacking flair.
