Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe has warned Aston Villa that Harvey Barnes has already made “such a difference” since moving from Leicester City this summer. Barnes is likely to start for the Magpies when they host Villa next weekend in the opening round of Premier League games. It comes after Villa were also interested in Barnes this summer, though the ex-Leicester man ended up joining Newcastle instead. Speaking after Barnes scored twice against Villarreal in a pre-season friendly on Sunday, Howe spoke about Barnes’ qualities and the difference he is making at Newcastle with his style of play.
Talking about Barnes,
Eddie Howe said: “It can make such difference when you start well and he made a really good impression today. That is Harvey in a nutshell really. He is quick, positive and he scores goals. His two finishes were very good. It was really good to see him on the end of two really good team moves. In transitions, he was really good.”
Speaking about his team’s preparations,
Eddie Howe added: “I think pre-season has been pretty good. I think we always analyse what the players give and from day one the players have done really well to execute what we have tried to do. They have given everything physically. It as been an intense period but I compliment the group. I don’t think that we have quite hit our best levels in terms of performance but today we followed the line of performing well. We were good in defence and good on the counter attack so promising signs from the team.”
