Why Could Turn Out To Be A Smart Addition For Newcastle
After having missed out on signing Tammy Abraham on loan from Chelsea, Newcastle United are looking to raid the Premier League champions again, this time for midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek. A report from The Telegraph claims that the Magpies are interested in bringing the England youth international on loan for a season.
The 21-year-old midfielder has been touted as one of the best players to have come through the Chelsea academy in recent years and has been in and around the first-team for a couple of years now. However, he has been unable to carve out a regular place in the starting XI under manager Antonio Conte, and the report states that Chelsea have decided to loan the youngster out for a season in order for him to get some experience under his belt.
Newcastle United have endured a very frustrating summer after having made it back to the Premier League. There has hardly been any transfer activity at the St. James’ Park, with Christian Atsu the only arrival after he joined from the Blues in a £6.2million deal.
This has led to frustration among the fans, especially so considering that fellow promotion winners Brighton & Hove Albion and Huddersfield Town have been able to get good business done already. Manager Rafael Benitez is keen on improving his squad in all areas after the club’s big return to the top-flight in order to put up a strong fight in the league. However, the lack of completion of any deals will be bothering him.
The midfield area is surely something that needs a bit of strengthening and Loftus-Cheek, despite his young age and inexperience, could turn out to be a decent addition to the ranks.
The 21-year-old can slot into a deep midfield role in the 4-2-3-1 that Benitez plays at Newcastle, and can even play in an advanced No.10 role as well. Someone who is known for his ability to thread the balls in behind defences for his attacking partners, the Englishman will add a much-needed edge and creativity to Newcastle’s midfield – something which was found lacking last season.
Apart from that, the Englishman will also be able to chip in with goals on regular occasions, with his exquisite finishing abilities and his smart movement from the midfield positions. He is a prolific scorer for the England U-21 side and has scored 7 goals for the Three Lions from 17 appearances.
He may have played just 6 times in the league last season, but in the preceding season to that, Loftus-Cheek displayed that he has what it takes to excel at this stage when given a regular run out in the side.
With the likes of N’Golo Kante, Cesc Fabregas and Nathaniel Chalobah all ahead of him in the pecking order at the Stamford Bridge, it is unlikely he will get much playing time under Conte, and a loan move will definitely benefit him. Newcastle too can reap the benefits of the player who has shown great potential and promise. All in all, the deal would make sense for both the parties and the Magpies need to get it done at the earliest.