Harvey Barnes proves his worth | OneFootball

When Harvey Barnes signed for Newcastle United in 2023, it generated a lot of excitement on Tyneside.

A winger who had already proved himself in the top flight at Leicester City and gaining an England cap whilst doing so.

Harvey Barnes with a stunning record season after season when it came to stats of Premier League goals and assists with the Foxes.

Although Leicester were relegated the season before he joined United, Harvey Barnes managed a remarkable 13 Premier League goals, making him the team’s top scorer in 2022/23.

For many Newcastle United fans when the signing was announced, a vision of both him and Anthony Gordon running down the flanks supporting the superb Alexander Isak, a thrilling trio.

However, it was evident early on that Barnes would have to bide his time, as both players are best suited on the left hand side, a position Gordon had made his own.

Introduced in the 68th minute of that first match of the 2023/24 Premier League season from the bench to replace Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes both scored and got an assist (for Callum Wilson) on his debut against Aston Villa. An emphatic 5-1 win the perfect start for Barnes in his first season on Tyneside.

However, during that season he was halted by an injury which kept him on the sidelines for just under five months. Despite that, Harvey Barnes scored pivotal goals during that campaign managing five from seven PL starts and a number of sub appearances, most notably his brace against West Ham which resulted in a hugely entertaining 4-3 win at St James’ Park.

When Newcastle were facing pressure to sell players before the dreaded PSR deadline day last June, there were rumours that Barnes could be potentially an asset Newcastle would be willing to let go for the right price to avoid potential punishment. Fortunately the player stayed and he started well this season, scoring key goals in big wins against Spurs, Wolves and Nottingham Forest.

Many view Harvey Barnes as an impact player when appearing from the bench and that he’s best suited to that role.

The last two weeks however he’s proved his worth in gold with the team securing a significant away win against West Ham and of course the incredible cup final win against Liverpool. Starting both games due to Gordon’s suspension, Barnes’ contribution in both games has to be praised.

Providing the delicate and accurate assist for Bruno Guimaraes’ winning goal at the London Stadium, whilst also playing a part in both Newcastle’s goals at Wembley. Winning the corner ahead of the first goal, giving Dan Burn his opportunity, and also providing link up play on the left wing which led to Isak’s goal putting Newcastle two ahead. Not quite direct assists but his performance, like all those in Black and White, on Sunday afternoon was to be admired.

With Newcastle United set to play in Europe next season, it’s critical a strong squad is assembled and Eddie Howe has the reinforcements to compete.

Harvey Barnes could play a big part in that journey and deserves the chance to do so.