Why Newcastle United should sign Erik Pieters from Stoke City
According to a report in Chronicle Live, Premier League club Newcastle United have stepped up the hunt to sign a new left-back in the January transfer window. And Stoke City left-back Erik Pieters is open to joining the Magpies in January.
The Dutch full-back is under contract with the Potters until the end of the 2019/20 season. The 30-year-old former PSV Eindhoven star is keen on playing in the Premier League, which is evidently a dream for every player, especially knowing the fact that he was relegated from the top-flight with Stoke at the end of last season. (Chronicle Live)
Rafa Benitez and his men require a left-back because Paul Dummett is the only option for that role and the Welshman is now injured, leaving the manager with no choice but to field Javier Manquillo/Ciaran Clark (who are not natural left-backs) in the coming games.
Newcastle are keeping close tabs on Paris-Saint Germain’s Stanley N’Soki, who was also their target in the summer. (Chronicle Live) However, the best deal for the Magpies would be to sign Pieters in the winter. Here’s why:
Pieters’ Premier League experience would be vital
Erik Pieters joined Stoke City in 2013 when the Potters were well and truly settled in the Premier League. He featured in five top-flight seasons for the club before getting relegated at the end of the previous campaign.
Hence, the experience and the know-how this Dutchman possesses would be productive to Newcastle rather than signing a young rookie from PSG, who is yet to prove himself in high-level football.
Rafa Benitez has his own style of playing the game, which is very structured and requires players who have the pedigree of performing in all kinds of situations. Furthermore, the Spaniard likes his team to be defensively solid before making forays up the field. Hence, he may also prefer the experience of Pieters rather than a young N’Soki.
Therefore, if Newcastle are to buy a new left-back, everything is pointing towards them signing the Dutchman. Even though he is 30 years old, Benitez’s defensive system will suit him more.
Read More: Go for it Rafa – Newcastle signing this West Brom veteran would help them survive in the PL
Moreover, the know-how of playing over 100 games will help him serve the team better in crunch situations, which by the looks of things, will arrive for the Magpies every other week.