An immediate promotion back to the Premier League is definitely looking imminent for Newcastle United considering the fact that they are placed at the top of the league table at the moment of the Sky Bet Championship. We aren’t unfamiliar to the rule that the top two sides in the second division get a direct call to the top flight and Rafael Benitez’s men are well on course to clinch that.
The Geordies have an excellent chance of bagging an automatic promotion as they have accumulated 78 points from 38 games and are 7 points clear of Huddersfield Town who are placed 3rd on the table. However, Benitez isn’t unfamiliar to the animosity which the Premier League has on offer and would really need to strengthen his side once the summer transfer window begins.
The Magpies must solidify their backline and one of the important slots they must try to boost is that of the left-back. Paul Dummett might have been a consistent servant of Newcastle United so far this campaign but there is an apparent lack of quality or quantity for meeting the unforeseen contingencies with respect to that crucial region. However, there is an opportunity for the former Real Madrid boss to make a necessary addition.
Leeds United’s Charlie Taylor has been one of the talks of the town recently. The 23-year-old left-back has gathered 24 appearances for himself so far this campaign for the Whites, in which he has mustered 3 assists.
Now coming to his defensive contributions, Taylor has garnered 1.3 tackles, 1.4 interceptions, 2.6 clearances and 0.2 blocks per game on an average which tell us how fruitful his season has been under Garry Monk. He is a modern day full-back and just about knows how to get things done week in and week out.
Taylor is renowned for intelligently positioning himself on the pitch and he maintains a perfect balance between the attacking and defensive endeavours of his side. He times his runs perfectly and puts in noteworthy crosses into the box which makes him a daunting figure in the minds of the opponents. Moreover, he makes perfectly timed tackles, creates genuine goal scoring chances and is versatile enough to ply his trade anywhere down the left.
His contract confining him to the Elland Road expires in the summer and apparently, he hasn’t shown any interest to extend it beyond the aforesaid period. The Toons shall benefit if they successfully lure Taylor to St. James’ Park in the summer and a free deal would just be the cherry on top of the cake.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored.com
