Why Michal Travnik would be a smart long-term investment for Newcastle
According to a report from the Daily Mail, Newcastle United and Fulham are interested in FK Baumit Jablonec midfielder Michal Travnik.
The 24-year-old is enjoying an excellent season with Jablonec, scoring 10 goals in all competitions, including two in the Europa League. He has also supplied two assists in six appearances in that competition.
The midfielder’s form earned him his first cap for the Czech Republic national team earlier this year. He has since gone onto represent his nation five times and with European experience also under his belt, Newcastle United must beat Fulham to Travnik’s signature in January.
Newcastle United have struggled in the Premier League so far this season. More than their defensive problems, the Magpies have lacked spark in their attack. That could be solely down to Rafael Benitez’s defensive style of play but on a broader aspect, Newcastle don’t have high-quality attackers in their ranks.
In Salomon Rondon, Yoshinori Muto, Kenedy, Matt Ritchie and Ayoze Perez, Benitez has the attackers that give their all but none of them is a guaranteed goalscorer. Rondon has been on the scoresheet of late for the Magpies but very often this season, he has found himself isolated and frustrated up front due to a lack of service.
Truth be told, the Tyneside-based club needs players that can ease the burden off the shoulders of Rondon by contributing with goals from different areas of the pitch. That would make the signing of Michal Travnik so much more sensible.
Travnik is a goalscoring midfielder who can play anywhere across the midfield, even in the holding role when required. He could fit into a number of roles in Benitez’s system while producing real quality in each role.
Blessed with a wonderful technique, the 24-year-old uses his low centre of gravity to good effect, displaying exceptional close control in tight areas and has the ability to create his own space with a classy first touch.
The Czech Republic international is a player with a keen eye for a pass and has the ability to slip his teammates in behind the defence with lovely through balls. Travnik is also known for his positional play, working those pockets of space in the midfield and creating opportunities for teammates.
Moreover, he is also a composed finisher in front of the goal and 10 goals in all competitions, albeit in a less competitive league, justifies that.
At 24, the midfielder has his best years ahead of him and would represent a long-term investment. For £4million, Travnik may prove to be an exceptionally smart addition to Newcastle’s options in the middle of the park.
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Hence, Newcastle must go all out to land the Czech Republic ace in the New Year.