The St. James’ Park outfit have not finished above 10th in the Premier League since the 2011/12 season, after which they also suffered relegation.
However, former Newcastle full-back Enrique is one among those who believe that the club deserve to finish higher than they have in recent seasons.
The Spaniard has insisted that the Magpies are a top six team and feels they should be fighting for a European spot in the league every season.
Enrique explained that Newcastle are better than current table-toppers Everton historically and believes the Tyneside outfit should do much better than they are doing now.
“I still believe Newcastle are a top-six team“, Enrique told the Shields Gazette.
“Look, Everton are there, and it’s not because I’m a Liverpool fan, but Newcastle are bigger than Everton for history, for everything.
“They should be a top six team. I believe that.
“Newcastle need to be a top six team. That’s the reality.
“I’m not sure if they need to change owner or what has to happen, but they need to be a top six team.”
While Enrique hopes to see Newcastle finish in the top six, Steve Bruce’s men currently sit 13th in the table, having won two of their five league games so far.
