Former Newcastle United defender Jose Enrique has a warning for his old club.
The former Magpies and Liverpool star has spoken about Newcastle’s reliance on their young players.
Manager Eddie Howe has often utilized the youth in his squad to cover for injured or out-of-form first-teamers.
However, Enrique believes they may need more quality if they are to thrive in the Champions League.
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Enrique told Squawka: “The problem for me, I like the left-back they signed, I like the right-back they signed, but you cannot always rely on signing young players.
“I believe in the signing of young players, yes, but not all your subs can be young players.
“For example Lewis Hall. I think he’s a good prospect, I think he can do well, obviously, it depends on him. But he’s not been doing well, it’s all the pressure on him, all of a sudden from nothing to, ‘Okay, let’s go and play’.
“I think they need a midfielder, because with Tonali now you have a big problem. 100% they need a midfielder.
“I think you need someone, for Almiron, as well on that side, left-footed, someone that can compete with Almiron for the starting position. And probably a center-back as well.
“Lascelles is there as a third choice. But even then I believe they need a centre-back as well, you know.”