OPINION
Newcastle United are heading into the second international break of the season without a single win under they belt in any competition, and it is time for manager Rafael Benitez to start getting brutal with his side if they want to survive.
The Magpies have not performed too badly in their opening eight fixtures – five of which have been against last season’s top six in a diabolically tough start – but there is still plenty of room for improvement, especially when it comes to their forward line.
Newcastle fans have seen their side score just six goals all season – the joint second worst figure in the division – and quite frankly, something has got to change.
It is clear to see that Matt Ritchie and Kenedy are the first choice wingers for Benitez – understandable considering their proven records – and behind them are Jacob Murphy and Christian Atsu, whose performances in the top flight have left much to be desired.
For Murphy, he has shown bright spells, but his Ghanaian counterpart has been in dire form of late, even in the few minutes he is handed from the substitutes’ bench, and quite frankly the 26-year-old is not worthy of being given any more chances.
So who does Benitez call on next?
The Chronicle claim that teenage winger Adam Wilson has been catching the eye of northern rivals and Championship side Blackburn Rovers, and that he has been impressing for the under-23s at the tender age of 18.
What harm would gambling on the young talent, who is obviously eyed as good enough for the Championship – which is where many fans would argue Atsu belongs – do to Newcastle?
The answer is none, and with changes a must, Benitez needs to take that risk and throw Wilson in at the deep end, giving him substitute minutes to help his development and hopefully bring the spark Atsu has failed to deliver.
He might only be 18, but something needs to change, and his fearlessness might just be the catalyst Newcastle need.