The chances of any side dethroning Newcastle United from the automatic qualification spots of the 2016-17 campaign of Sky Bet Champion, if not from the summit looks slim. It is mainly due to the superb attitude they have shown and the way they have adjusted to Benitez’s tactics to lord over the other teams in the division. The Geordies leapfrogged past Brighton & Hove Albion to re-establish themselves as the league leaders with a thoroughly deserving win over the Seagulls after a 1-2 win away at the Falmer Stadium.
Rafael Benitez appears to be a man with firm resolution and gritty purpose to reclassify Newcastle United as a formidable Premier League side. The Spaniard has turned the complexion of the club on its head and after quite a long time, the black and white crops are heading towards the right direction. With promotion appearing almost a certainty at the end of the season and maybe even the second tier silverware to brag of, Newcastle United should start jotting the background scenes of their necessary pursuits of the summer transfer window as to who they could sign to beef up their squad.
One of the latest reports to have surfaced is that of Harry Maguire of Hull City getting linked with a move to St. James’ Park. Maguire has left a substantial impact for the Tigers in the Premier League so far this season, making 19 appearances, during which he has won 32 tackles with a healthy success rate of 52%, made 44 interceptions, 69 clearances and 17 blocks. What puts the ball in the court of the Magpies is that the 23-year-old’s contract expires in eighteen months and thus, they could pull him out of the KCOM Stadium for a cut-price fee. So, would it be a shrewd deal if it eventually pans out?
Absolutely. Maguire has been flourishing at Hull City this season and despite Newcastle United having Jamaal Lascelles, Ciaran Clark and Grant Hanley in their ranks to cater to the central defensive needs, the Hull City defender will provide the touch of recent Premier League experience. He is young, technically sharp, and resolute and could reach to new heights under the tutelage of Benitez. The Englishman would be an immediate upgrade and could partner Lascelles at the heart of Newcastle United’s defence. He has years of football left in him and with the progress, he has shown, he could fit in the Tyneside club’s system with relative ease.
Statistics Credits: Squawka.
