Eddie Howe is not often spoken about like Ange Postecoglou or Ruben Amorim.

Howe – undoubtedly Newcastle United’s greatest manager in modern history – is not usually framed as an ideologue. Indeed, he does not carry the same reputation for rigidly sticking to one system in every situation.

If you had to choose – who would you rather STAYS at Newcastle United next season?

Both have been tipped to leave…

That has often been a compliment. Right now, however, it is starting to come under question.

The 4-3-3 remains Newcastle’s defining shape and while it has been the foundation of Howe’s best work at St James’ Park, it is also starting to look like a ceiling.

Newcastle have not evolved enough under Eddie Howe

The biggest concern is not that Howe has a preferred system. Clearly, almost every elite manager does.

Rather, the issue is that Newcastle increasingly look like a team waiting for old solutions to start working again.

That is particularly obvious up front. Nick Woltemade is not Alexander Isak, never has been and never will be.

Pretend you’re in charge – WHO are you appointing next?! 🤔

Also, feel free to name someone not pictured! (I’d love Xabi Alonso)

The German does not stretch teams in the same way and he does not naturally offer that same threat in behind.

Yet Newcastle have too often looked as though they are trying to recreate the Isak dynamic anyway. William Osula has been asked to provide a much less effective version of that outlet despite Woltemade arriving at club-record expense.

The 4-3-3 is starting to look frustrating

There is also a deeper problem with Newcastle’s midfield balance.

Their shape was much-celebrated when Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton were all dominating games but that era has seemingly now passed.

Newcastle’s lack of a defensive midfielder was noted upon even when things were going well, after all.

Obviously, none of this means Howe should rip everything up. Football always evolves, however, and this is Howe’s next test if he is to stay on.

The likes of Postecoglou and Amorim are often accused of being too married to an idea. Howe must now prove he is different. Not everything needs to change but a refusal to adapt would mirror what Postecoglou and Amorim have been slated for.

With Newcastle potentially heading for a major summer rebuild, this cannot just be about new players. It simply has to be about a new version of Newcastle.

Howe needs to show he can build a team using Newcastle’s revamped recruitment structure. He needs to find better protection in midfield. He needs to prove the 4-3-3 is a platform, not a prison, while relying on players who are not quite as experienced in the Premier League.

Newcastle do not need Howe to become someone else – they need him to show there is another level to what he already is.