Rafa Benitez is such a rare thing in an era where player power is king, social media vitriol spreads like a virus and chairman have itchy trigger fingers. From Liverpool to Chelsea and Newcastle he is looked on with nothing but fondness.

This season has the potential to be the one that shows exactly what Newcastle fans loved him quite as much as they did, and why there was such collective dismay when the story emerged that he was leaving. I have mentioned in some of these previews that I’ve been surprised at the sheer level of quality present when I glance down a squad list, with Newcastle, the opposite is true.

I am a big fan of Jamaal Lascelles and Matt Richie. Given that Newcastle are likely facing a season long scrap for survival, these are the kind of players their team needs. This type of players are the reason why Huddersfield managed to stay up that first season, and the reason by Burnley and Bournemouth keep surprising everyone. The type I am talking about is a player you can rely on each week to grind out with grit and determination and to sweat to the very end of 90 minutes – and yet is not all workmanlike with no skill – both Richie and Lascelles are impressive technicians at their respective positions.

The rest of the Newcastle squad seems to be too much frippery without enough backbone, and too many players that will not be prepared to squeeze out that extra ounce of effort when nothing feels to be left.

The faint glimmer of hope maybe lies in Joelinton and Almiron – the latter impressed in flashes but needs to show consistency, and the former is an impressive physical specimen but will need to score regularly to be a true difference maker.

Ceiling – 11th

Floor – 20th