The Premier League is back after the season’s international break, and while it won’t be long before another stoppage in mid-November, we can enjoy the return of the Premier League, cup action, and European nights under the lights for at least the next couple of weeks.
Newcastle United fans, of course, are also keen to see how their stars fared on the international stage. Whether you’re catching up before placing football free bets or just following the Magpies closely, here’s a look at the performances of Newcastle’s key players during the break.
Nick Woltemade
Newcastle’s record signing, Nick Woltemade, has hit the ground running at St. James’ Park, scoring three goals in four Premier League fixtures at the time of writing. The tall forward continued that fine form for Germany, netting his first international goal as they edged past Northern Ireland 1-0 at Windsor Park. Woltemade’s clinical finish underlines his growing importance for both club and country.
Anthony Gordon
Anthony Gordon played a starring role for Thomas Tuchel’s England during the break. He featured for 90 minutes in the 3-0 friendly win over Wales at Wembley Stadium and followed that up with a Player of the Match performance in the 5-0 thrashing of Latvia. Gordon opened the scoring with his second goal for the Three Lions in Riga, curling a composed effort past the goalkeeper and showing why he’s becoming a regular fixture for his national side.
Now on 16 caps for England, Gordon feels he’s only getting better and better for the Three Lions, claiming: “I think definitely the last three performances have been my best for England.
“And I think they’ve got progressively better. But, yet again, I can’t rest on that. I still feel I can do more. I still feel like I could have scored two goals and got an assist or two. So if I want to be really top, top, elite, world-level winger, I’ve got more to do.”
Bruno Guimaraes
Bruno Guimaraes has been in excellent form for Newcastle this season and proved just as influential for Brazil in their friendlies against South Korea and Japan. The Magpies’ midfielder set up Chelsea’s Estevao in the 5-0 win over South Korea, helping the teenager net his first international goal, and again provided the assist for Paulo Henrique in Brazil’s shock 3-2 defeat to Japan. Guimaraes’ vision and passing range remain key assets for both club and country.
Sandro Tonali
Sandro Tonali featured prominently for Italy during their wins over Estonia and Israel, helping Gennaro Gattuso’s side strengthen their World Cup qualification campaign. While the midfielder didn’t register any goals or assists, his control and distribution were vital, particularly against Estonia, where he registered 110 touches, 87% pass accuracy, and won all five of his ground duels. Tonali continues to demonstrate why he’s one of the most complete midfielders in Europe.
Elsewhere, Dan Burn got 20 minutes off the bench for England in the 5-0 win over Latvia, while gametime was also at a premium for Sweden’s Anthony Elenga, who saw his side embarrassingly defeated by both Switzerland and Kosovo. Joelinton received just 30 minutes of action in Brazil’s defeat to Japan.