Newcastle United have a pretty big summer transfer window ahead of them. The club made the signing of Martin Dubravka permanent but getting a few more deals done will be imperative. The ongoing World Cup isn’t making things easy for any side, so the Magpies will have to get a move on once the World Cup finished.
If recent reports are to be believed, the Tyneside outfit are eyeing a move for Chelsea and England midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
The 22-year old had a good season at Crystal Palace in what was a loan move and earned himself a place in the England squad for the World Cup. After a substitute appearance in the first game, Loftus-Cheek was given the nod to start against Panama and managed an assist in the game as well.
Chelsea are likely to have a new manager for next season but it’s still unclear if Loftus-Cheek will be given a role to play in the first team. Obviously, the pressure at Chelsea is high, so better midfielders will be preferred to the England man, but that, in turn, will shackle his development which could see him move out on loan or on a permanent move.
Loftus-Cheek started in 21 games in the Premier League and managed two goals from midfield. His game, though, wasn’t about getting forward and contribution goals, was it? Palace mostly played on the break under Roy Hodgson and Loftus-Cheek was given the role of distributing the ball from the midfield.
His passing was pretty assured for the style of football – 82.4% and he did put in the defensive work. Rafa Benitez obvious wants his midfielders to put in his defensive work and Loftus-Cheek will have to get his hands dirty as he averaged a tackle and an interception a game this past season.
The midfield did pretty well with Shelvey and Merino in there. The numbers will obviously help and Loftus-Cheek in there will make them a more solid unit. He does have the quality while bursting forward and is a pretty versatile player as well.
If Rafa can buy a good forward, they could have half a decent team and challenge for the European places.
Stats via Whoscored
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