"He's getting better and better" - Eddie Howe hails Newcastle's player of the month

It’s been a tough few weeks on Tyneside, a period that’s been epitomised by the performances of most of our past summer signings struggling

Yoane Wissa has been in and out of the squad due to injury, Anthony Elanga has failed to capitalise on that brilliant solo strike at Man City, and Nick Woltemade has struggled to recapture his early-season form, even if some of the media criticism has been too much.

But one star is starting to really come into his own in recent games, and that’s none other than Jacob Ramsey.

After a slow start to life on Tyneside, certainly not helped by picking up an early injury against Leeds, Ramsey is starting to show his worth, with Eddie Howe speaking highly of the midfielder ahead of tonight's meeting with Man Utd.

Howe: Ramsey has a bit of everything

Fresh from being named Sela's Player of the Month for February at the club, Jacob Ramsey has received high praise from Eddie Howe this week.

Discussing our £40m summer signing from Aston Villa in his Tuesday morning press conference, Howe was full of praise for his technical quality, ability in tight areas and athleticism, believing the former England Under-21 star has a "little bit of everything."

The 24-year-old has a goal or and an assist in his last three league games, but it's his all round displays that have stood out, with Ramsey happy to take the ball on the half turn, play forward and do the dirty work at the other end.

Discussing his recent form and impressive displays in training upon his arrival, Howe said:

“He's getting better and better. When we first signed him, it was clear from the training we were doing how good, technically, he is.

“He very rarely wastes the ball, is really good in tight areas and he has good athleticism to add to the other side so I think he has a little bit of everything.

“It's been great to see him score a couple of really important goals for us. Naturally, playing in midfield, I think you need to contribute in that area as well. That will do his confidence levels, those two goals, the world of good.

“I think he now feels fully at home and comfortable what he's been asked to do so really positive signs for him.”

Finding form at just the right time

With how important our midfield is to the way we play, Ramsey’s finding a rich vein of form at just the right time.

Having netted the winner in our last league win against Spurs, as well as being our best player in the game against Everton, Ramsey is arguably the first midfielder on the teamsheet: especially considering the recent form of Sandro Tonali and Joe Willock whilst Nick Woltemade continues to adapt to playing as a de-facto attacking midfielder.

Ramsey will have to continue his goalscoring heroics for at least another couple of weeks as well: Lewis Miley isn’t expected to return until the 18th of March, at the earliest, ahead of our return leg against Barcelona at the Camp Nou.

Meanwhile Bruno Guimaraes is projected to be out until the middle of April as he recovers in his native Brazil. Should Joelinton pick up a yellow card in the first leg against Hansi Flick’s side at St James’ Park, then we will be without both Brazilians in the second leg through injury and suspension for Bruno and Joelinton respectively.