Abdulhafiz TeslimNewcastle United’s midfield has entered a new era, and one player who has suddenly found himself with a huge opportunity is determined to make the most of it.
After the departures of two influential midfielders, the competition for places has changed considerably at St James’ Park. A player who spent much of last season fighting for a regular starting role now believes the door is open for him to finally establish himself as a key figure under Matthias Jaissle.
It has not been the easiest start to the new Premier League campaign.
Despite impressing during parts of pre-season, the midfielder was left out of the starting XI for each of Newcastle’s opening three league fixtures. Understandably, that left him disappointed, particularly after arriving at the club last summer with the ambition of playing regularly and forcing his way into England contention.
The £40 million signing had endured a mixed first season on Tyneside. There were flashes of the quality that convinced Newcastle to invest heavily in him, including an impressive goal against Tottenham Hotspur, but he never quite managed to nail down a permanent starting position.
Now, however, the circumstances are completely different.
Speaking after Newcastle’s dramatic draw with Bournemouth, the midfielder admitted that he was frustrated by his early-season role but insisted that he remains confident in his own ability.
“I was disappointed not to start in any of the Premier League games,” he said.
“But I’ve got big self-belief in my ability. I’m a confident lad and hopefully, I’ll get the opportunity to prove that I can play here.”
The player also acknowledged the significance of the departures of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, admitting that their exits have created a major opportunity for him to step forward.
“If you’re looking from the outside, two big players leaving in my position, it’s time for me to step up now and I’m looking forward to it,” he explained.
That player is Jacob Ramsey.
The former Aston Villa midfielder knows that opportunities at a club competing at Newcastle’s level do not come around every day. Having originally moved to St James’ Park partly because he wanted to push himself towards an England call-up, Ramsey will now be hoping regular football can help him revive that ambition.
Interestingly, Ramsey has also revealed that his role could change depending on what Jaissle needs from him.
The 25-year-old explained that he had spent time training as a No.10 before the Bournemouth fixture and felt comfortable playing further forward. He also believes he can contribute from deeper midfield, something he demonstrated after being introduced in the No.6 position.
“I came on a little bit deeper. I’m comfortable on the ball, whether that’s deeper or in the No.10,” Ramsey said.
At Aston Villa, Ramsey often operated from the left in a more advanced role, but he has made it clear that he is willing to adapt.
His ambition is straightforward: score goals, create opportunities and help Newcastle’s forwards.
With Bruno and Tonali now gone, Ramsey has perhaps been handed the biggest opportunity of his Newcastle career so far.
The pressure will be on him to take it.
The next few weeks could determine whether he finally becomes the regular Newcastle midfielder he always believed he could be.
Abdulhafiz Teslim
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