Ranking Newcastle’s players season – Part 1 – Defence

 Nick Pope – 6/10  

Despite getting injured just 14 games into the season, Nick Pope’s performances were impressive, keeping six clean sheets and only conceding 14 goals in the Premier League. 

Martin Dubravka – 4/10 

Dubrvaka stepped in for Pope after he picked up a shoulder injury in December and the difference has been clear to see. 38 goals conceded in 21 matches has not been good enough.  

Loris Karius – 4/10  

The German shot stopper only played one match in the Premier League, away at the Emirates.  

Mark Gillespie – 4/10 

The 32-year-old goalkeeper has not made a single appearance in any competition this season but has proved useful behind the scenes.   

Kieran Trippier – 7/10 

Trippier started the season well, quickly registering 10 assists and leading the Premier League assists charts. However, an error prone December and January as well as spending a period on the sidelines in recent months means it can be no higher than a seven for the vice-captain. 

Tino Livramento – 8/10 

The 21-year-old arrived from Southampton in the summer after an injury riddled season. It took him a while to get a chance to impress due to the presence of Trippier, but he has not really put a foot wrong since breaking into the starting 11. His performances have left the fans rightfully excited for the future.  

Emil Krafth  – 6/10 

The Swedish defender missed the start of the season due to an ACL injury he picked up last season, but in his 14 Premier League appearances this season he has proved to be a useful asset for Eddie Howe both at right back and as a centre half. 

Fabian Schar- 8/10 

The Swiss central defender has been one of the Magpies’ only permanent fixtures in the starting 11 this season, only missing one game through injury so far. In his 34 appearances he has not really put a foot wrong.  

 Sven Botman – 6/10 

Botman started the season well, pairing Fabian Schar in defence as he did last season. However, a knee injury picked up against Sheffield United earlier this season saw his performance levels drop massively, before finally deciding to go ahead with surgery required which will see him miss the beginning of next season.  

Jamaal Lascelles – 7/10 

Many Newcastle fans would have been worried about the prospect of Lascelles replacing the injured Botman but he proved a lot of people wrong. His performances on the pitch were pretty solid. Unfortunately, Lascelles will also miss the start of next season with a knee injury.  

Dan Burn – 5/10 

Burn has spent most of the season playing as a left back, looking out of depth against a lot of pacey wingers this season, as you would expect. Although looking decent when stepping into the centre of defence, no more than a five can be given. 

Paul Dummett – 3/10 

Made a good appearance at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup but his season will ultimately be remembered for the late penalty he gave away against Everton.  

Matt Targett – 4/10 

He spent the majority of the season out through injury and looked fairly ordinary when he did feature.  

Lewis Hall – 5/10 

Looked a bit shaky during the first half of the season and wasn’t getting a lot of game time. However, in recent weeks, with the mounting injury list, Hall has been handed more consistent game time, impressing massively on the ball. His end to the season has left a lot to be excited about next year.