Harry Redknapp explains why he’s picked these particular Newcastle United stand outs

The Mag

·7 gennaio 2025

Harry Redknapp explains why he’s picked these particular Newcastle United stand outs

Harry Redknapp has picked his best 11 performers from the weekend’s action.

The Premier League team of the weekend that has most impressed him.

OneFootball Video

Included in his top 11 are two stand out Newcastle United players.

Player who in Harry’s opinion contributed so much to the away win at his old club Tottenham.

Harry Redknapp explaining why he chose this Newcastle United duo amongst his Premier League team of the week:

It sounds ridiculous putting a player in whose team lost, but Jordan Pickford was superb against Bournemouth. He made some top saves and without him, it could have been a cricket score. It took a very nice finish to beat him, but Everton really need to protect his goal more.

Tino Livramento is developing into such a top full-back. He’s got a bit of everything, he’s quick, good going forward and few get the better of him in one-on-one duels. He was excellent against Tottenham and Heung-Min Son didn’t really do much in the game as a result.

I’m putting Harry Maguire in the side. I thought he was terrific at Anfield and dealt with most things that came his way. He was always a threat from set pieces and gave that backline some real leadership. The less said about that chance at the end though, albeit it was hardly the greatest of passes to him! Ruben Amorim wants to keep him at the club for another year, and you can see why.

It sounds ridiculous to put two defenders in the side who were part of a 2-2, but Virgil van Dijk was top class against Manchester United. Liverpool were all over the place at the back and without him, United could have scored 3 or 4. There was a few instances in the game which felt like it was van Dijk almost single handedly stopping United.

Milos Kerkez is a top left-back, I’m certain the top clubs will be looking at him. He had a great season last year for Bournemouth and seems to keep getting better and better. He’s always such a threat and has some fantastic quality on the ball, as we saw with that lovely assist.

Savinho had his best game in a Manchester City shirt at the weekend. He’s shown glimpses of promise this season, but he looks like he’s beginning to really find his feet at City and was excellent against West Ham. If he can keep this up, Erling Haaland will continue to find the net and City will start climbing back up the table.

My Player of the Week this week is Bruno Fernandes, I thought he was brilliant against Liverpool. He’s a player that’s divided opinion down the years but when he’s in this form, what a player he is. He showed so much class, so much composure in what was such a chaotic game. Obviously, he let his side down when he got sent off against Wolves, but that little break seems to have done him good.

I’ve always been a fan of Ross Barkley. He’s always had fantastic ability with both feet when he’s on the ball. You saw that technique for his goal against Leicester, he made that look so easy. I just wish he would do this a bit more often, because there’s no denying the class and ability he’s got.

Speaking of a classy player, young Ethan Nwaneri at Arsenal looks a serious, serious talent. To be playing for Arsenal and to be trusted by Mikel Arteta at such a young age says a lot and you can see why. He’s got a lovely left foot and is so composed on the ball; nothing seems to faze him. I’m excited to watch his development over the next couple of seasons.

Anthony Gordon had another good game for Newcastle. He took his goal superbly and was such a threat all game long. I’m a big fan of him, I like his attitude, and I like the way he really takes the game to his opponents, he seems fearless.

Raul Jimenez was brilliant for Fulham in that crazy draw against Ipswich. He took his two penalties so well, particularly that second one which he also won. He’s always been a very underrated striker in this league and he’s having a good season.

My Manager of the Week is Ruben Amorim. So many people were just expecting United to go to Anfield and get hammered by Liverpool, but he’d clearly done some work with them on the training ground, and they were so much better than anyone expected. They were worth that point and could easily have won the game at the end. It’s something to build on for United.

Spurs 1 Newcastle 2 – Saturday 4 January 2025 12.30pm

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Gordon 6, Isak 38

Spurs:

Solanke 4

Possession was Newcastle 43% (54%) Spurs 57% (46%)

Total shots were Newcastle 14 (7) Spurs 13 (4)

Shots on target were Newcastle 4 (3) Spurs 4 (2)

Corners were Newcastle 10 (7) Spurs 9 (3)

Touches in the box Newcastle 27 (18) Spurs 26 (4)

Newcastle team v Spurs: