As a fan raised concerns about Newcastle United’s lack of left-footed attackers, The Athletic’s Chris Waugh addressed the curious situation by saying the issue has likely been discussed internally, even
if it has not been publicly acknowledged.
Waugh responded to a reader who noted that Newcastle have almost no natural left-footers beyond their defenders.
“This is not something which has been mentioned to me, but I would be shocked if it was not something they have been considering,” Waugh wrote.
Waugh explained that Newcastle previously targeted left-footed right-wingers, including Michael Olise and Bryan Mbeumo, in an effort to add balance, though none of them ended up in Tyneside.
Eddie Howe, Waugh revealed, prefers to deploy at least one inverted winger — with right-footed players like Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes operating from the left — while also valuing traditional wide men who stretch play and deliver crosses. Jacob Murphy would be a good example of the latter.
Waugh described Anthony Elanga as a “hybrid” option who, while right-footed, is capable of cutting inside and shooting with his left.
The insider also suggested that while Newcastle’s lack of attacking left-footers is not yet a crisis, it is an imbalance likely to be addressed naturally over time.
“Once Lewis Hall is fit, he provides a valuable left-footed set-piece option,” Waugh wrote, adding that Newcastle’s immediate shortfall lies more in set-piece variation than attacking output.
“Over the next few windows,” Waugh wrote, “it would be surprising if left-footed attacking players were not acquired, though, to provide greater balance.”
