With many complaining that Newcastle’s current left-backs on the club’s books are inadequate and not Premier League standard, I’m going to take a look at five left-backs from around the world who the club could possibly pursue, for the time that remains in this transfer window:
Faouzi Ghoulam
The Algerian’s performances for Napoli last season impressed many clubs. He arrived last Summer from Saint-Etienne, after two years of consistently brilliant performances in Ligue 1 and the 24-year old made an immediate impact in Italy. He cemented himself into Rafael Benitez’s starting lineup and his displays last year, unlike most of the Napoli players, were outstanding. He is a big, physical player with the ability to easily bypass players with his long strides and precise dribbling. Ghoulam is also good in the air – something Newcastle lack at the back – as he won an average of 61% of his aerial duels last season. He featured for Algeria in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil for Algeria, where he was key in their unexpected progression to the round of 16. Newcastle have already been linked with Ghoulam this Summer, with HITC reporting the club considering a £7m bid for the player. He would be a brilliant addition to our side, and at anything under £10m, he would be a bargain.
Andrew Robertson
21-year old Andrew Robertson was one of the surprise packages in last year’s Premier League campaign. Currently plying his trade in the Championship, Robertson flourished for Hull City last year. He proved to be a major coup, arriving from Dundee United for just £2.6million in the Summer of 2014. The Scotsman has a fantastic crossing ability on him and assisted 5 goals in all competitions last season. With his lightning quick speed, Robertson has shut out many top quality wingers during his time at Hull City. He was called up to the Scotland national side during last season, due to his highly impressive performances, and quickly established himself as their starting left-back. Arsenal, Chelsea and Aston Villa have all expressed their interest in Robertson this Summer and it’s clear to see that he’s a level above the Championship. If we’re going to pursue the young Scotsman, he won’t come on the cheap as Steve Bruce values him very highly indeed.
Benjamin Mendy
Mendy, who is just 21-years old, had a stormer of a season last year for current club Marseille and has represented France for every youth rank from U15’s all the way up to U21’s. He’s close to breaking into the senior side and that would be an amazing achievement, considering his age. The Frenchman moved from Le Havre to Marseille, and made a total of 39 appearances last year. Mendy is very quick and possesses the skill of a winger, but more importantly, he is very solid defensively too. He scored one goal last year, and created, on average, 1.3 chances per game. The promising youngster looks ready to take the Premier League by the horns, with the likes of Arsenal and Stoke expressing interest in him. Mendy is a player who has excited fans all over France, and if Newcastle were to try to persuade him to join the club, he would most definitely cost over £10m.
Jetro Willems
Another 21-year old on this list, Willems is perhaps one of the most exciting young talents in world football. He plays for PSV and has already featured 15 times for the Dutch national side. At such a young age, Willems has also made over 100 appearances for his current club PSV. Last year, he particularly shone – the ‘Flying Dutchman’ featured 30 times, and created 75 chances for his fellow teammates. That is some achievement for a full-back. Pronounced ‘Yetro Villems’, he is a player who can both beat players and shut them out defensively. He uses his amazing athleticism and power to keep wingers quiet, and if Newcastle were to pull a deal off for him, it would be some statement. His talent is obvious as he sent Newcastle fans into meltdown when he posted a picture of him flying to Tyneside to watch our game against Southampton, and according to the Shields Gazette, he is keen on a move to Newcastle – where his close friend, Georginio Wijnaldum, has recently joined.
Alex Telles
A very underrated player in my view, the Brazilian left-back is currently playing for Galatasaray in the Turkish SuperLig. He is just 22-years-old and arrived at Galatasaray from Gremio last Summer. Telles is built-in the model of modern Brazilian full-backs, with his offensive abilities often outweighing his defensive capabilities – but he made no defensive errors in 20 league appearances last season. He stands at 5 ft 11 and won an average of 53% of his aerial duels last year. Telles is technically talented and for the most part, a very solid defender. He scored 1 goal last season and registered 11 created chances in 20 games. Previously linked with Chelsea, Inter Milan and Napoli, Telles would be a very healthy addition to our squad.
Do you agree with Evin’s selections? Leave us a comment in the section below.
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