Newcastle United should definitely make the move for Ruben Loftus-Cheek
According to the Mirror, Newcastle United are interested in making a move for Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek. The England star has failed to nail down a regular role under new manager Maurizio Sarri so far.
Loftus-Cheek enjoyed a strong rise to prominence under Antonio Conte last season before showcasing his talent the World Cup this summer that took place in Russia. But since then the youngster has once again remained a fringe member in the squad and has been linked with moves.
The likes of Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Bundesliga outfit Schalke are all said to be interested in acquiring his services in January. But it is Newcastle United who are in dire need of some reinforcements in their squad.
Rafa Benitez’s side have been inconsistent this season and are on the back of a 3-0 loss to West Ham United last weekend. The manager was barely given enough funds to land his targets in the summer and should now aim to beat their competition to the signing of the Chelsea midfielder.
Despite playing minimal game time this season, Ruben Loftus-Cheek has scored 2 goals in just 4 substitute appearances for the Blues. He also scored a hat-trick in the Europa League to further underline his potential. (Stats courtesy – Whoscored)
Playing as a central midfielder, the 22-year-old is a quick mover of the ball and loves to drive directly at defenders. Newcastle lack a player that possesses the energy and bite that Loftus-Cheek does. He has got superb dribbling skills and impressive ability on the ball.
The 22-year-old can twist and turn his way out of pressure before finding his teammates in space and setting him up. The likes of Kenedy, Salomon Rondon and Ayoze Perez will surely flourish playing alongside Loftus-Cheek.
The English midfielder has averaged a pass success rate of 92.8% in the Europa League while also boasting an average of 90.3% in the Premier League this season. He will surely fit into Benitez’s 4-4-1-1 formation used this year. (Stats courtesy – Whoscored)
Playing alongside Mohamed Diame, Loftus-Cheek will thrive playing in a free role that allows him to charge forward at will and trackback whenever required. With Diame taking care of the defensive business, that should allow the Chelsea midfielder to find more space and create chances for his teammates.
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What Rafa Benitez needs at the moment is a proper game-changer in his team and that is exactly what Ruben Loftus-Cheek is capable of. The Magpies have a lack of goals in their team but that issue can be solved by ensuring they land the English midfielder in January.