Marcus Coco Would Be A Great Signing For Newcastle United And Here’s Why
Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez is apparently targeting £10m rated Ligue1 star Marcus Coco this summer, a player brilliantly nicknamed ‘Speedy Gonzales’ by the French press.
Coco’s current manager believes that if the 20-year-old learns to trust his skills, he may double his ability which would make him one of the most exciting prospects in Europe.
Having joined the Guingamp’s youth set-up in 2013, the boy from Guadeloupe made his debut for the first team in 2014/15 before going on to make a real impact last season. Coco managed 30 games at that stage, but with little end product.
This season has seen some improvement in that department, with the lightning-fast winger recording 4 goals and 2 assists in his 34 games across all competitions and he will undoubtedly achieve even more next season. Under the tutelage of someone of Benitez’ class and experience, Coco can become a top level player with minimum fuss.
Matt Ritchie has performed admirably this season on Newcastle’s right flank, cutting in on his magical left foot with frequency and to great effect. However, something more will eventually be needed. At only 20, Coco looks capable of becoming a better player than Ritchie but not just yet. This means that the chance to play and learn could be ideal with Ritchie starting the season as no.1 in that position at St James’ Park.
As well as their difference in age, Ritchie and Coco play in a different manner; Coco is a speedy, right-footed player who likes to get wide and cross. This is a variance Benitez will need in his squad in the Premier League in order to keep opposition defence guessing.
Coco is a raw talent and, with the greatest of respect to Guingamp, he will benefit greatly from the coaching and guidance offered at a top club. The facilities at Newcastle are superior and so too will be the quality of his teammates. So a move to Newcastle would help the player greatly.
Newcastle will not be the only club chasing Coco’s signature. There is rumoured interest from the likes of Southampton and Stoke City. However, the fear of Newcastle falling behind such clubs in recent times would be extinguished immediately upon rejoining the Premier League. The thought of playing in front of 52,000 people and being coached by Rafa Benitez would be a massive draw to a young player like Coco.
The Toon need to reignite the atmosphere at SJP and a player of this type will help do just that. Memories of Ginola, Beardsley or Ben Arfa taking defenders on and getting the crowd on their feet has become a thing of the past. Hence, Coco would be ideal for Newcastle United in the Premier League.