Matthias Jaissle admitted it is “clear” Newcastle United “cannot be at our peak” for their Premier League opener against Liverpool on Sunday week following a bruising 3-1 defeat against Everton at Murrayfield in Edinburgh.

The new head coach is hoping for “progress” in the transfer market “soon”, with a right-back and a controlling midfielder the immediate priorities — and such additions are appearing increasingly essential. Benfica full-back Amar Dedic, Marseille midfielder Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg, and Bayern Munich No 6 Joao Palhinha are among the names currently under discussion.

Jaissle did not rule out the possibility of additions before this weekend’s back-to-back friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and Strasbourg at St James’ Park, though accepted “it’s not in my hands” — and further incomings would provide a much-needed boost to a team which is short of leadership, game management and end product.

Newcastle actually started brightly on Wednesday evening, before Everton were gifted the lead. Sven Botman’s awful defensive error eventually allowed Thierno Barry to open the scoring.

Iliman Ndiaye doubled Everton’s advantage from the spot in the 36th minute, after Joelinton conceded a penalty for a foul on Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

At the break, Jaissle changed his entire outfield, with an academy defence fielded for the second half. Tyrique George added Everton’s third in the 73 minute, before Jacob Murphy laid on Harvey Barnes for Newcastle’s consolation, just as the eclipse commenced amid the clouds above Murrayfield.

Chris Waugh was in Edinburgh and these were the key takeaways…

Hall returns — will Dedic be joining?

The chronic lack of depth at full-back continues, even if Lewis Hall’s return from a knock did provide Jaissle with a senior left-back. Although Manchester United retain an interest in Hall, Newcastle are adamant he will not be departing.

Rather than lose another full-back, Newcastle desperately need to sign (at least) one, and Dedic is a target. The 23-year-old is predominantly a right-back but can play down both sides, which is desirable, and he worked under Jaissle at Red Bull Salzburg, so the German will be confident that Dedic can fulfil his demands swiftly.

Although Jaissle refused to confirm which positions he is looking to augment, he smirked when asked if he wanted a full-back and a midfielder. “You are also smart enough to see the needs in the squad,” he said. “We are aware of what we need and there’s still some time.”

Hall was back in action for Newcastle (Photo: Andrew Milligan/PA Images via Getty Images)

Leo Shahar, 19, made his third start of pre-season at right-back, while a defence made up of academy players ran out for the second half. None of Dylan Charlton, Miodrag Pivas, Henry Johnson or Mason Miley have made a competitive first-team appearance for Newcastle and, in all likelihood, few will be involved once the campaign begins.

The defensive issues extend further, too, with Botman at fault for another goal, while Fabian Schar, Tino Livramento and Lewis Miley are all racing against time to be fit for Liverpool. If Dedic or another full-back joins, they look set to be parachuted straight into the XI.

Captaincy trial continues but midfield addition is vital

Malick Thiaw started for the second match in succession, but Joelinton was surprisingly handed the armband in Edinburgh. The Brazilian’s temperament does not necessarily make him a natural choice, yet this highlights the leadership “vacuum” that Jaissle repeated that he feels exists following the exits of Bruno Guimaraes and other influential players.

During the second half, Murphy, who was part of the leadership team under Howe, assumed the captaincy, while Jaissle namechecked Dan Burn as a “leader”.

“Not closer than I told you,” Jaissle said when asked whether he is ready to name a captain. “For sure, not publicly. Closer, (yes) but at the right time I will let you know.”

Joelinton is a far-from-convincing No 6 in Jaissle’s 4-2-3-1 formation, too. Newcastle desperately need a player who can exert control, direct the team and provide a defensive screen, to accompany a ball player in the double pivot.

Joelinton started with the armband (Photo: Mark Scates/SNS Group via Getty Images)

Former Tottenham midfielder Hojbjerg remains a target, even if that deal is proving difficult, while Newcastle are interested in Palhinha, though they do not appear the favourites for his signature.

Four of Newcastle’s five signings have been aged 20 or under this summer, but Guimaraes’ exit has forced a tweak in approach. Without top-level experience being injected into this side — and quickly — Newcastle may face a testing season.

‘Peaking’ for Liverpool is not the only concern — goals are, too

Jaissle may be demonstrative on the touchline, yet in his media briefings he is calm and does not resort to hyperbole. While accepting Newcastle simply cannot “peak” against Liverpool due to the lack of time he has worked with the squad, he also stressed he is “making progress” and his team will be better — and less fatigued, given the intense training and friendly schedule to date — in 10 days’ time.

Regardless, one position Newcastle are not actively looking to strengthen is striker, yet goalscoring is proving to be a problem.

Barnes scores Newcastle’s goal (Photo: Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)

Will Osula ended last season in excellent form and has huge potential but the 23-year-old is still striving for consistency. Yoane Wissa scored twice in Valencia but was deployed as a No 10 in Edinburgh and missed a couple of good chances. Nick Woltemade, meanwhile, is still searching for a defined role in the team.

Barnes, who scored 16 goals last season, bagged Newcastle’s consolation at Murrayfield, yet there is an argument to suggest others are ahead of the winger in the pecking order.

Three signings provide cause for optimism

Bazoumana Toure plays the same position as Barnes and the left-footed left-winger has delivered two exciting cameos so far.

Against Everton, the 20-year-old repeatedly troubled Nathan Patterson, using his pace to get in behind the full-back before whipping early crosses into the box. The issue is the lack of a natural finisher to get on the end of his delicious deliveries.

Toure got the better of Patterson (Photo: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Beyond Toure, Sean Steur has already made a big impression upon the fanbase. The 18-year-old Dutchman is bold in possession and always aims to play forwards. He looks an ideal fit for Jaissle’s style, with Steur able to get Newcastle upfield quickly and accurately.

Lukas Hornicek also impressed in Edinburgh, with the 24-year-old goalkeeper producing a couple of excellent stops to deny Ndiaye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. His composure in position has also added a fresh element to Newcastle’s build-up play.