Ex-Newcastle United midfielder Darren Ambrose believes his former club were the outstanding team of 2022. At the start of the year, the Magpies were glued to the relegation zone and were embarrassed in the FA Cup by Cambridge United.
Within months, Eddie Howe inspired a surge towards mid-table, finishing a comfortable 14 points above the bottom three. That form continued into the new campaign and, by December, the Magpies were flying high in the Champions League places.
Ambrose, signed by Sir Bobby Robson in 2003, scored his first goal for Newcastle in European competition. A header against NAC Breda in the UEFA Cup was the first of six strikes in a black-and-white shirt.
READ MORE: Leeds United send 'don't mess' with us message after time-wasting as Meslier taunts Newcastle
The 38-year-old was torn between United and the England women’s team for his standout side of 2022. Ultimately, his former club came out on top.
“I was going to say the Lionesses but, for me, Newcastle United are the team of the year,” Ambrose told talkSPORT. ‘When Eddie Howe took over, they were favourites to go down.
“I remember Carlton Palmer and Andy Goldstein, on this station, saying they are done. At the turn of the year, they had hardly any points and he kept them up comfortably. Now look at them. (They are) not just competing, I think they'll make the top four and, in the next couple of seasons, they are going to have a trophy.”
The ex-midfielder also paid special tribute to Toon talisman Miguel Almiron. Alongside Joelinton, Sean Longstaff and Fabian Schar, the Paraguayan - who has nine goals in 19 games this season - has revitalised his St James’ Park career.
“One that has improved a bit more than Granit Xhaka is Miguel Almiron (when asked whether Xhaka is the most improved player),” Ambrose added. “Last season, he got one goal in 30 games, yet he plays for every manager because he works so hard.
“The only thing he needed to add to his game was goalscoring. Nine goals in 16 games this season. Newcastle, sitting in third place at the moment, a lot of that is down to the way Almiron is playing.
“Since Jack Grealish battered him in the Manchester City celebrations, he's turned his form (around). His whole repertoire of goals has been absolutely fantastic.”
READ NEXT
Arsenal react to Newcastle 'threat' as Mikel Arteta opens up on 'set-up' that's shaken the top 6
Arsenal will see pumped Newcastle after chat and Guardiola turns air blue to prove Magpies point
Leeds United aim 'cheap' referee dig but Jesse Marsch is blown away by the size of Newcastle
Eddie Howe reacts to Newcastle and Leeds United brawl as 'nice guys' turn nasty and 2023 glimpse
Angry Newcastle and Leeds United players clash and owner sees transfer target hooked - 5 things
