These three at Newcastle are "as good as anything" in Premier League - Ally McCoist

Ally McCoist has heaped praise onto a Newcastle United trio that he has described as being “as good as anything”.

A historic season in which we ended our trophy drought, and that could get even better with Champions League qualification, has seen plenty of individuals be credited for their performances.

Some have been over the course spells, with the current form of Harvey Barnes being an obvious one while Kieran Trippier has also impressed since the injury to Lewis Hall, but Rangers legend McCoist has hailed three of our more consistent performers this season.

McCoist on Newcastle's midfield trio

Newcastle’s midfield trio of Joelinton, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes is the best in the Premier League according to Ally McCoist.

The midfield three dictates our style of play and is the most important part of the Eddie Howe set-up, and they have been rightly credited by the Scotsman after a season in which Captain Bruno has played in all but one of our games (the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Arsenal).

Speaking on talkSPORT's Youtube channel, he said: “Newcastle’s midfield is as good as anything. What a blend. The partnerships within that midfield.

“Joelinton – there has never been a comeback like that from a player. Centre-forward, I felt for him. Looked like a fish out of water. He just wasn’t comfortable. Things weren’t going his way.

“He drops back in and he has become such a key ingredient and figure in that Newcastle team. You’ve got the skills of Bruno and the balance of Tonali. He was out for a period of time but has come back in. I just think they’ve been absolutely fantastic.”

More depth needed?

Though the Toon’s starting midfield three has continued to impress throughout the season, the options in rotation are less than ideal as we prepare for a return to European football.

Strength in numbers will be required for Eddie Howe to compete on multiple fronts and to look to the bench and continue to compete in busy periods, looking at the Aston Villa defeat in particular with them able to bring a physical Amadou Onana into the midfield against a three that has been largely unchanged all season.

Elliot Anderson has not been replaced since his departure last summer, and fellow Geordie Sean Longstaff may well follow him out the exit door when the window re-opens. There have been talks of Lewis Miley going on loan, I don’t think he will, but the talented lad from Stanley is still just 18.

Though he has built up a good relationship with Joelinton when both play on the left side, Joe Willock has struggled largely over the course of this season and has rarely reached the levels we know he’s capable of.

It may not be a priority position - Jacob Murphy remains the only right-winger since Miggy Almiron departed, while both Callum Wilson (out of contract) and Will Osula (loan move?) may not be here to support Alexander Isak next season - but it’s vital we bulk up all areas of the squad.