Harvey Barnes has yet to make his Newcastle United debut, but former Magpies full-back Warren Barton feels the summer acquisition may partner Anthony Gordon in attack.
Eddie Howe will ‘probably’ start Harvey Barnes alongside Anthony Gordon and Alexander Isak in an explosive attacking three very soon. That is the opinion of Warren Barton, a former Newcastle United defender, who believes the arrival of the former Leicester City player provides the Magpies ‘options’ in attack.
Gordon’s form has limited Barnes to four cameo appearances on Tyneside so far, though the summer signing did score and assist in the opening-day victory over Aston Villa. However, the Magpies’ crowded schedule following the international break will almost certainly force Eddie Howe to rotate his starting eleven, opening the door for Barnes to make his debut.
Barnes has established an impressive goalscoring record from the left side during his time with the Foxes, prompting some to speculate that Gordon could be moved to the right to suit the 25-year-old. Barton believes Howe is taking his time integrating the winger into the team, but believes he might end up forging a pacy attack with Gordon and record acquisition Alexander Isak.
When asked if he thought Barnes and Gordon should start together, the Fox Sports analyst told ChronicleLive, “I do.” Going back to what Eddie did with Bruno and Botman, he gave them a taste and then took them out with a few cameos here and there. Harvey Barnes made a major move when he left Leicester, came up, and flew directly into Philadelphia to play a game.
“Barnes is a good player, and what I like about Gordon is that he went into the summer and did well with England’s under-21s, but he also wanted to get in shape and play for Newcastle.” Almiron now has competition, and we now have options.