Hull City, owing to their thoroughly erratic and sporadic run of form in the 2016-17 campaign of the Premier League, might have got themselves relegated but their central defender in the shape of Harry Maguire emerged as one of the silver linings for them during the season.
Maguire accumulated 29 appearances for the Tigers, scoring two goals, two assists and registered 1.9 tackles, 2.2 interceptions, 4.9 clearances and 0.9 blocks per game on an average and it goes without saying that his stocks have risen massively.
The 24-year-old has already become the talk of the town and is a subject of speculation for many top quality sides in the country. Earlier this month, Maguire was linked with a move to St. James’ Park but recently, it is perceived that Tottenham Hotspur and Everton are closely monitoring the prospect of adding him to their ranks.
With Hull City getting demoted to the Championship, a move seems likely to be an imminent one for him during the summer transfer window but it is high time for Newcastle United (even more than the other two clubs mentioned) to renew their interest in this promising defender on a serious note.
Maguire is a player of fine calibre and is capable enough to ply his trade at the right-back slot as well. His daunting figure enables him to have the upper hand whilst going into the aerial duels and allows him to impose himself as an offensive force for his employers during set-pieces.
He might not have lightening pace in his legs but he does have a shrewd understanding of the technical aspects of the game and has shown time and again during the season which just transpired that he isn’t afraid of getting himself into the tight areas and doing the needful whenever the situations want him to do so.
Moreover, he barely loses possession, is a very cool, composed and reliable man at the back and makes meticulous tackles and interceptions more often than not. The Englishman should be personally looking forward to playing in the English top division and it is important that the Magpies table the right bid for him to lure him away from the KCOM Stadium.
Rafael Benitez isn’t unfamiliar with the perception that he would need well-equipped men to face the animosity which the Premier League would have to offer and someone like Maguire, who has proven his potential in the top flight, certainly is one of the targets they should look forward to investing their money on this summer.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored.com
