Eddie Howe has made it clear what Jacob Ramsey must do to become a regular starter at Newcastle United.
He started the Champions League win over Benfica, only to drop back to the bench a few days later in place of Joelinton for the Premier League victory against Fulham.
The 24-year-old was one of six senior signings the club made this summer, with Jacob Ramsey arriving from Aston Villa for £43million.
He has added greater depth to an already impressive Newcastle United midfield, while also being an option out wide. However, Toon fans are yet to see the best of their new recruit.
An ankle injury derailed his start to life at St James’ Park, with Ramsey limited to just two starts so far. For that number to increase, Eddie Howe says his number 41 needs to be ‘physically at his best’.
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Eddie Howe backs Jacob Ramsey to ‘shine’ on one condition
That is the task that Howe has set Ramsey, having spoken about him on the eve of Newcastle United’s game against Spurs in the Carabao Cup.
Ahead of that match, the Newcastle United manager was asked what Ramsey must do to win a regular place in his starting XI.
“I think Jacob is doing well,” he said.
“I think he’s in a good place. He will have benefited from the couple of outings he’s had recently.
“The big thing for him at the moment is being physically at his best. If he is then his technical qualities will shine.”
Opportunity knocks for Jacob Ramsey with Newcastle United star not at his best
If Ramsey can reach the physical levels that Howe is demanding of him, there is a place for him to win in the Newcastle United starting XI.
While Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes are the Magpies’ most influential players in the middle of the park, there are question marks surrounding Joelinton’s recent form.
The 29-year-old is capable of performing at a much higher level, with his quality on the ball leaving a lot to be desired.
As Howe says, there is nothing wrong with Ramsey’s technical qualities. He trumps Joelinton in that department, capable of bringing something different to the midfield dynamic that has served Newcastle United so well over the past 12 months.
Ramsey has the kind of guile that Newcastle are missing in central areas, but he will not get the chance to showcase his skillset on a consistent basis until he is physically ready.
