Newcastle Must Regret Losing Academy Ace Who’s Outperforming Gordon in the Premier League
Eddie Howe’s reign at Newcastle United has been a resounding success, transforming the club’s fortunes both on and off the pitch. However, despite the remarkable progress, there remains plenty of work to solidify Newcastle’s ambitions of consistently competing among England’s and Europe’s elite.
After a challenging 2023/24 season marred by injuries, Newcastle’s current campaign has reinvigorated the optimism at St. James’ Park. Fans are once again dreaming of finishing in the top echelons of the Premier League table, vying for European places. While much of the focus has been on the club’s first-team resurgence, the work being done behind the scenes in the academy has been just as transformative, potentially laying the foundation for sustained success in the future.
Newcastle’s Academy Revolution
The emergence of talents like Lewis Miley and Elliot Anderson highlights a significant shift in Newcastle’s approach to nurturing young players. Miley, at just 18 years old, has already showcased maturity and confidence beyond his years, stepping up admirably during a period of injury crises for the senior squad. Similarly, Anderson’s development has been noteworthy. Once hailed as a “phenomenal” talent by former Bristol Rovers teammate Alex Rodman, Anderson’s potential drew significant attention.
However, Newcastle’s ambitious project also comes with tough decisions. Anderson’s move to Nottingham Forest in the summer for a substantial £35 million fee underscores the delicate balancing act of retaining and selling academy talent. On the one hand, the Magpies are reaping the benefits of developing young stars, either by integrating them into the first team or securing lucrative transfer deals. On the other hand, there have been instances of missed opportunities—instances that could haunt the club for years to come.
The One That Got Away: Marcus Tavernier
One of the most glaring examples of Newcastle’s past mistakes in handling academy talents is Marcus Tavernier. Once part of the Magpies’ youth setup, Tavernier left for Middlesbrough in 2013, where he honed his skills before making a name for himself in the Premier League with Bournemouth. Now, he stands as a creative force Newcastle could sorely use.
Howe’s current squad is brimming with talent, but the addition of a player like Tavernier could elevate the team’s attacking potential to another level. Despite the brilliance of midfielders like Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton, and Sean Longstaff, Newcastle’s midfield creativity has been underwhelming. According to Sofascore, the trio has combined for just 2.1 key passes per Premier League match this season—a statistic that highlights the need for more incisive players in the final third.
Tavernier vs. Gordon: A Tale of Two Talents
Comparisons between Marcus Tavernier and Anthony Gordon provide a stark illustration of what Newcastle might be missing. While Gordon has been lauded for his contributions this season, Tavernier has matched him in crucial metrics like goal contributions and big chances created. Beyond that, Tavernier’s advanced numbers paint a picture of a player thriving in his creative role.
As per FBref, Tavernier averages 5.38 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, compared to Gordon’s 4.15. Additionally, the Bournemouth star leads in crosses per game (6.18 vs. Gordon’s 5.21), underlining his ability to supply quality service and initiate attacking plays. Remarkably, Tavernier ranks 10th in the Premier League for shot-creating actions and 7th for crosses, cementing his reputation as one of the division’s most productive creators.
A Costly Mistake
Losing Tavernier represents a missed opportunity for Newcastle—a chance to add a technically gifted and versatile playmaker to their squad. While the Magpies have struck gold with several transfers in recent years, including players like Alexander Isak and Kieran Trippier, the absence of a creative player like Tavernier highlights a gap in the team’s profile.
As Newcastle continues its ascent under Eddie Howe, the focus will remain on striking the perfect balance between developing homegrown talent and supplementing the squad with strategic signings. For now, though, the club can only reflect on what might have been with Marcus Tavernier—a talent who slipped through their grasp and is now proving his worth at the highest level.
While Newcastle’s present and future look bright, lessons from the past, such as Tavernier’s departure, must serve as a reminder of the importance of retaining and nurturing academy gems to achieve long-term success.
