Newcastle United have struggled at times this season - and no player epitomises that more than Harvey Barnes.
Newcastle United have been far from their free-flowing best this season. While defence has been a real plus point, creating and scoring goals has been hard going.
But, obviously, with a proper striker now on their books, Nick Woltemade, and one on the way after an injury lay off, Yoane Wissa, things should hopefully be looking up.
However, with any good team, goals need to come from everywhere - but that’s not quite happened. And that’s particularly stark when it comes to the Magpies’ wide players, who are yet to register anything close to hitting the back of the net.
Jacob Murphy chipped in with an assist at the weekend, but for the other three, it’s been slim pickings. While Anthony Gordon has an excuse, given he’s been used as an emergency striker when available, and Anthony Elanga is still getting his feet under the table, Harvey Barnes’ impact has been questioned by many, especially as he has been handed the golden opportunity to make left wing his own.
Head coach Eddie Howe now faces a dilemma with Barcelona in the Champions League just around the corner - stick with Barnes, or bring back available again Gordon?
So, we took the time to ask our Facebook audience what they think of Harvey Barnes so far this season. We asked people to “rate Harvey Barnes’ impact so far this season...” - and here’s what they said.
Fans reveal thoughts on Harvey Barnes
Richard Douglas Thompson: "Flop at the minute."
Stuart Paterson: "Get behind the lad... no one in front 3 has really stood out have they? Seen people calling Elanga yet he is just getting used to the way we play. Barnes does need to improve but confidence by his own fans would be a start."
Stephen Lees: "The player needs to understand his position could be under threat if he cannot contribute to the team."
Mark Laidlaw: "Average... Always better playing on the counter when his energy levels are high after defensive spells."
Sean Fay: "He’s not great is he? He’s a 5-6/10 player and a massive overpayment at £40m+."
Ian Leask: "Sub for last 20 mins."
Tony Lane: "Abysmal start to the season for him. Gordon has gave him his chance on a platter to show something and cement his claim for that starting LW spot and Barnes has shown absolutely nothing."
Chris Sober: "He's someone who needs game time to play well, any time off its like a reset button and takes another 3-4 games to get back to his best."
David Jefferson: "Much better than Elanga."
Rob Davison: "Only does something when he comes on for last 20mins."
Steven Roberts: "Impact player not a starter."
James More: "If you rate our season it’s been a underwhelming start so why call-out one player??"
Andrew Bruce: "4/10."
Chris Hill: "No impact whatsoever. He’s a bluffer of a player. Will score the odd wonder goal but contributes nothing else."
Roly Cooke: "Disappointing."
Kevin O'Keefe: "Needs a goal to get going, can't fault his application but he's not found his shooting boots yet, hopefully he gets a goal soon and his confidence goes up and he goes on a run."
Rob Atkinson: "Should have been offloaded during the summer.
Nic Barnes: "6/10 so far."
Brian Easton: "Beginning to lose patience with him..."
Thomas Lindsay: "Barnes has been a safer option over Gordon of late."
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