This is how Newcastle United fix their midfield - one player HAS to start and it's not Sean Steur

Matthias Jaissle and Sean Steur

Newcastle United's midfield set-up has come under scrutiny in recent weeks after a string of poor results and uninspiring performances.

Head coach Matthias Jaissle has brought in a new style of play to St James' Park, ditching the more traditional 4-3-3 formation that was loved by Eddie Howe and operating a 4-2-3-1.

However, many observers have become uncomfortable with how open United are in the centre of the park. Often, there is only one midfielder stationed in a traditional midfield position, with Nico Gonzalez dropping into the backline and the No 10 - Joe Willock or Yoane Wissa in most cases - as a second striker.

There have been calls for youngster Sean Steur to be recalled to the starting XI after he failed to play a minute in the two consecutive Premier League defeats against Coventry City and Aston Villa. The 18-year-old had been man of the match against Hull City but has yet to kick a ball for the black and whites since.

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However, former Premier League midfielder Don Hutchison believes Steur is not the answer, and has suggested his own midfield selection to help Newcastle regain some control in games - moving Lewis Miley out of full-back and reinstalling him in the centre of the park.

“Lewis Miley has to play," Hutchison said. "For me, the midfield three would be Miley, Nico Gonzalez and Joelinton.

“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.

“The bigger concern is further forward. 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.”

Steur's absence has surprised many Newcastle fans, but boyhood Newcastle fan Hutchison thinks it is right that he has some time away from the spotlight as he continues his development. The teenager has impressed since his £20m move from Ajax in the summer and is tipped for great things.

“He has done well," Hutchison told BetBrain. "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.

“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.”

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