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Now six points above the drop line, it feels as though Newcastle have done just enough to ensure survival for another season – and with time to spare – so it’s time for some early reflection on what has been another turbulent campaign on Tyneside.

With that in mind, our writers debate who has been Newcastle’s most improved player this season below…

James Beavis – Isaac Hayden

“Given he has openly admitted that he would like to leave Newcastle, the fact that he is currently so important and one of the first names on the team-sheet is unbelievable. The 23-year-old had struggled to get a spot in the starting XI since the Magpies’ return to the Premier League in 2017, and he has been helped by injury issues for Jonjo Shelvey, Ki Sung-Yueng and Mo Diame this term. However, alongside Sean Longstaff he has created a formidable partnership in the centre that is unbreakable, but whether that will be enough to convince him to stay is another matter.” 

Jack Saville – Sean Longstaff

“It’s difficult to see past Longstaff. The 21-year-old midfielder has made the step up from League One to Premier League football in some style. He is has already established himself as a vital cog in Rafa Benitez’s machine and the fact Newcastle have won 4 from their last 7 games with him in midfield is absolutely no coincidence. This could be the start of something special.”

Christy Malyan – Matt Ritchie

“He’s by no means been a burden in previous campaigns, and the stats suggest this will be far from a special season for the former Bournemouth man. But perhaps because he’s willingly taken the role of wing-back at times, perhaps because Jamaal Lascelles has been in and out of the team, it certainly feels as though Matt Ritchie has taken on more responsibility this season and become a real leader amongst Benitez’s ranks.” 

Billy Meyers – Sean Longstaff

“Newcastle had a slow start to the season, but have picked up of late to surge up the table and into 14th – six points clear of the drop zone. It has been a team effort, but the introduction of Longstaff, who impressed out on loan at Blackpool last season, has been instrumental. The 21-year-old has slotted seamlessly into the Magpies lineup, and looks like he won’t be dropping out of the team for some time.”