Newcastle cruised to a 3-0 Champions League win over Benfica at St James' Park on Tuesday night
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe (centre right) speaks to Laura Woods (left), Joe Cole and Les Ferdinand (right)
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe (centre right) speaks to Laura Woods (left), Joe Cole and Les Ferdinand (right)
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Newcastle United are now in a better position WITHOUT Alexander Isak, according to former Chelsea and Liverpool star Joe Cole.
Eddie Howe's side romped to an excellent 3-0 Champions League victory over Benfica on Tuesday night, with Cole in attendance for TNT Sports.
The ex-England star was left hugely impressed by what he saw at St James' Park, with a first-half goal from Anthony Gordon followed by two second-half efforts from Harvey Barnes to send Jose Mourinho's side packing.
It was a strong display from United's widemen, with Jacob Murphy crossing for Gordon's opener, and with striker Nick Woltemade again catching the eye, and £55m summer signing Yoane Wissa yet to play for the Magpies, Cole feels Howe's side now have better strength overall than they did when Alexander Isak led the line.
The Swede has struggled for goals since making the £130m switch to Liverpool in the summer, following a protracted transfer saga which saw him effectively go on strike.
It meant a shift in Newcastle's recruitment strategy, but after watching the win over Benfica, it's not something which Cole feels has utlimately hindered United's progress.
“To compete on more fronts you need players who can come in," Cole told TNT Sports. "You look at the numbers they have and I think they're in a better position.
“I think this team playing on the front foot, with all their attacking options, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy, Anthony Elanga, the midfielders can score goals, you've got Woltemade, Wissa to come into this squad.
"To be where they're at, playing on the front foot, seeing games out and brushing Benfica aside by the end was very impressive.
“That's a really impressive performance. That Benfica team went to Stamford Bridge and nearly got a result, but Newcastle blew them out of the water.
Laura Woods and Joe Cole at St James' Park
Laura Woods and Joe Cole at St James' Park on Tuesday night
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“Eddie Howe will be delighted because all his changes worked, his subs worked, they're sitting in the top eight of the Champions League with two wins from three and it's all looking upwards.”
Cole was left purring at the performance of Gordon, who not only scored the first, but set up Barnes' second with a delightful run and pass, and he expects the winger to be a big part of Thomas Tuchel's England side ahead of next summer's World Cup.
“I've admired the kid since he was at Everton,” Cole added. “I love his tenacity. Forget his ability and going by players, I look at him and think 'I want you in my team'.
"He's got that bite. He's not taking his flowers in the interview because he's got four goals in three because he's like 'I want more'. He’s a shoo-in for England.”