According to Daily Mail, Newcastle United are interested in the services of Eintracht Frankfurt left-back Jetro Willems.
The Dutchman has struggled with game time under Adi Hutter this season and a move away from Waldstadion could be on the horizon as we head into the winter transfer window.
Newcastle are desperate to sign a fullback in an attempt to beef up their defensive options as Paul Dummett has been susceptible to injuries.
But is Willems a viable target for the Magpies?
Why Willems to Newcastle would be a smart move
Like any modern full-back, Willems is a technically astute left-back, who excels in rotating possession and playing neat one-touch passes.
He is generally an attack-minded player, who loves to provide the additional support to the wingers and can even operate as a winger himself, making him a versatile option on the flanks.
However, what makes the Dutchman an appealing target for the Magpies is his creativity and crossing, both of which serve as key components in regards to his overall gameplay.
Willems has a high chance creation rate, having averaged 1.5 key passes per game during his debut campaign.
Most of his chances come from wider positions, from where he often tends to fizz in the crosses into the box. But alternatively, he can easily rotate possession in the final third because of his good technical ability.
The aforementioned abilities of Willems would benefit Newcastle United, who have struggled due to their lack of resources this season, especially in the wider positions.
Dummett is the only reliable option in the left-back position and although the 27-year-old hasn’t really disappointed so far, the addition of another quality left-back is almost imperative for the Magpies at the moment.
Willems, in that regard, could fill the void perfectly thanks to his attacking prowess that would add more thrust into the offensive department.
The Frankfurt man certainly needs to improve on his defensive positioning as well as his overall quality as a defender, but with Benitez at the helm, the player will learn if he signs for the club.
But in hindsight, his addition would certainly be a smart piece of business by the Tyneside outfit, who will hope to be more consistent in the second half of the campaign.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored