Rafa Benitez's Newcastle United are almost unstoppable at this moment in time in the Sky Bet Championship.

The Magpies currently sit top of the table just months after their relegation from the top-flight with 37 points from 15 games, that's missing out on just eight overall.

Newcastle are also safely in the automatic promotion places as Huddersfield Town in third are just the eight points behind.

The squad is in abundance of quality players, whom all carry Championship and Premier League quality on their CV.

One of their star players this season Dwight Gayle played for Crystal Palace in the division above before switching London for the north-east over the summer.

Along with Ciaran Clark, previously at Aston Villa before opting for the Tyne a few months ago.

You could argue that there's more than two Newcastle United players who ought to be playing in the top-flight, but these are my TWO which FLW's Ryan White thinks deserve it more than everyone else in the squad.....

 

Matt Ritchie

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Matt Ritchie has the classic story of learning his trade by progressing through the divisions, starting off in League One at Portsmouth and joining Swindon, then moving onto AFC Bournemouth before his summer transfer to Newcastle United following their relegation.

The Scottish international has impressed during his short time so far in the famous black and white striped shirt, having become a firm fan favourite at St. James' Park.

He's made 19 appearances this campaign and has four goals to go with that. Whilst that doesn't sound like a very prolific record, you have to remember he is a winger and actually has five assists to go with that, from the wing, remember.

Ritchie was playing in the Premier League last season for a reason, and that is because he has so much quality.

In my opinion, his £10 million or so transfer fee is fully justified and I am confused as to why he decided to leave the south-coast at Bournemouth.

Anyway, it's safe to say the 27 year-old is going to be playing in the top-flight come this time next season.

Hopefully, his form lets him be picked for the Scottish national team as well, and that will only help his confidence, not that he needs it, going into the busy Christmas schedule when I'm sure he'll be switched around a bit.

Jonjo Shelvey

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The former Liverpool midfielder is one of the stars shining in the Newcastle United squad this campaign.

Shelvey has played a part in nearly every match for Rafa Benitez this season and there's no reason as to why he shouldn't be.

Jonjo Shelvey was signed by previous manager Steve McClaren in January from Swansea City in their hopes to survive the drop to the Championship.

Unfortunately he couldn't, but perhaps the Magpies are glad to have the 24-year-old in their squad after all.

He has a wand of a right foot with his range of pass.

The ex-England international has an excellent eye for a long pass and that is one of his special traits, as to why so many teams fear Newcastle when he's in the midfield.

Shelvey can dominate a game on his own and purely has the ability to play at most Premier League clubs.