According to a recent print edition of The Daily Mirror (14 June, p72), Newcastle United are in discussions with Chelsea to land Marcos Alonso this summer. The same source has also stated that the Magpies have made their intentions clear about acquiring the Spanish full-back’s services in this off-season with the Blues demanding around £26m for their prized asset (via The Daily Mail).
Alonso’s Inconsistent Form At The English Capital This Season
The Madrid-born talent has endured another inconsistent season at Stamford Bridge despite producing a series of productive displays from the left side of Frank Lampard’s defence. He has banged in four goals and provided three assists in 20 appearances for the Blues this term across all fronts which highlight his growing influence in the opposition half. However, Alonso has often looked vulnerable defensively down the left flank in recent seasons which will be a cause for concern for any of his potential suitors including the Magpies.
To his credit, the Spanish left-back has averaged 1.8 tackles, 1.3 interceptions, 1.3 clearances, 1.6 shots, 1.4 key passes and 0.5 dribbles per game in the Premier League this season. He has also been tidy with his ball-distribution as evidenced by his pass success rate of 81.9% in league football (stats via whoscored).
The 29-year-old has earned three senior caps for the Spanish national team but is yet to open his goal-scoring account for his country. Maybe a switch to Newcastle this summer could offer him the chance to secure most first-team football next season which might give him a decent shot of being selected in Luis Enrique’s squad for next year’s UEFA European Championship finals following the competition’s postponement due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What Will The Three-Time Spanish International Add To Steve Bruce’s Team?
Alonso enjoys getting himself involved in the opposition half as he can retain possession well and has the vision to create some decent openings going forward. He packs a lot of power with his shot attempts and can whip in a few inviting crosses into the opposition penalty box. The Spaniard is also a dead-ball specialist as he can score his fair share of goals from direct freekicks in the attacking third of the field. However, he can be a bit weak defensively as he does not have the pace to make recovering runs inside his half.
A full-back of Alonso’s experience and track record will be a welcome addition to Steve Bruce’s squad before the start of the new campaign. He will not only bring more goals and creativity to St. James’ Park but also enhance the overall quality of the Newcastle first-team. With both Danny Rose and Jetro Willems set to return from their loan spells at Tyneside soon, Bruce will only have Paul Dummett left as his only natural left-back option.
Thus, it makes a lot of sense for the Magpies to orchestrate a move for Alonso when the transfer window reopens later this year. At 29, he has still got a few good years left in his locker which Bruce can look to benefit from in the coming seasons.
