Harvey Barnes

Key strength: Pace and dribbling

Wide creator

Newcastle United may be languishing in 14th place with just four points from their last five matches, but one man carries the torch for Eddie Howe's faltering side. Harvey Barnes has emerged as the Magpies' attacking lifeline in a season where St James' Park has seldom felt heavier. The 28-year-old England winger has been virtually ever-present, amassing an impressive 3,252 minutes across 53 appearances while delivering 14 goals and 5 assists. Operating primarily as an inside forward from his familiar left-wing berth, Barnes weaponizes his sharp pace and 70-rated dribbling to cut mercilessly onto his stronger right foot. What distinguishes his contribution is the discipline. Just a single yellow card all season while shouldering Newcastle's creative burden speaks to his reliability and professionalism. With €32 million of market value in his number 11 shirt and partnerships with Jacob Ramsey and Joelinton developing, Barnes represents both the club's immediate salvation and their pathway back up the table. In a campaign defined by inconsistency, he remains the one constant Howe can build around.