Why Newcastle should sign Jetro Willems in January
According to a report in Daily Mail, Premier League club Newcastle United are interested in signing Frankfurt defender Jetro Willems. Manager Rafa Benitez is keen to bolster this defensive options and the left-back position is of highest priority.
The Netherlands international Willems has been identified as a target by the club and they would do everything to bring the player to St.James’ Park next month. However, they will face stern competition from one of the European giants, AS Roma, for the signature of the 24-year-old. (Daily Mail)
Willems joined the Bundesliga team in the summer of 2017 from Dutch club PSV for a fee in the region of £4.5m plus add-ons. The Dutchman didn’t feature much last season but this time around, he has started every league game and done well.
Frankfurt would be reluctant to let their left-back go but if an offer comes up in excess of what they paid for him last year, it will be difficult to resist (h/t Daily Mail). Here’s why Newcastle must do everything to make that offer for the 24-year-old:
Willems could solve Newcastle’s left-back depth/starting spot crisis
If we look at the Newcastle squad, they lack a genuine left-back. Paul Dummett has played in that position but he is not natural, hence, the forward runs that a fullback should make isn’t happening on the left flank for the Magpies.
Benitez did change a few things to go to five at the back and deploy Matt Ritchie as the left wing-back, however, that is not a permanent solution to this issue.
The best thing to do is to sign a left-back who can defend and also move forward when required. Jetro Willems could be an ideal addition to the squad.
The Dutchman possesses the ability to make forays up and down the pitch throughout a game of football. He can cross the ball with great accuracy and/or dribble past defenders to create space in the wide areas.
Consequently, the 24-year-old is comfortable in making recovery runs and defending various situations. All in all, he is a proper left-back and Benitez can deploy him without compromising anything on that flank.
Newcastle have done well in the past month to recover from the dire position they were in early on. The only way they can make progress is by signing players of high quality and enhance the propensity of the squad.
The manager has done a miraculous job to take his team this far and it is now time for the board to help him with the funds. Signing Willems could be perfect.