Newcastle United stormed back into the Premier League in an ecstatic manner as they outclassed Barnsley in the final game of the Championship this season. The win for the Magpies, who went into the fixture being a point behind Brighton & Hove Albion, ensured that they clinched the second tier’s league silverware by leapfrogging past the Seagulls who were held to a 1-1 draw at the Villa Park by Aston Villa.
It was indeed riveting to see the manner in which Rafael Benitez successfully passed the baptism of fire with flying colours as their demotion last season didn’t dent their spirit to get themselves uplifted. However, the black and white crops would definitely have to dig in the summer transfer window to get some shrewd deals in their stride as they now prepare to face the elite clubs of the country yet again. Reportedly, Everton’s James McCarthy is one of the players to fall on the radar of Benitez.
One of the primary ingredients which the former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss would vouch for in his transfer target is whether they possess the experience of the Premier League and McCarthy certainly fits the bill. The 26-year-old was plagued by a hamstring injury and is now fit after recovering from the same. Brought from Wigan Athletic in the summer of 2013, McCarthy has been a valuable asset for the Toffees, although his diminishing form and the rapidly rising competition for a starting place under the tutelage of Ronald Koeman has shadowed his calibre to a considerable extent.
In 12 Premier League games this season (5 of which have been off the bench), the Republic of Ireland international has bagged 1 goal and 1 assist and has registered an average pass accuracy of 75.7%. Besides, he has made 1.6 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 0.7 clearances and 0.3 blocks per game on an average. The Geordies, if they manage to pull the deal over the line, would lay their hands on a versatile player who could ply his trade as a defensive midfielder, a central attacking midfielder as well as a central midfielder.
McCarthy is a sculpture of a defensive minded midfielder with an exemplary technical understanding of the game. He presses hard, tries to win the ball back, has a decent work ethic and can handsomely shield the backline of his employers. Besides, he gets forward as well and with a pat of confidence on his back in a new endeavour, he could really start to strive once again on the English soil.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored.com
