According to a recent report by The Daily Mail, Patrik Schick is a top target for Newcastle United this summer. The same source has revealed that the Magpies are hoping to strengthen their attacking department and want to recruit the Czech Republic international during the summer transfer window.
Schick’s Solid Loan Spell At The Red Bull Arena
The AS Roma striker has enjoyed an impressive season while on loan at Red Bull Leipzig and has been responsible for producing several eye-catching displays as the focal point of Julian Nagelsmann’s attack. He had featured in 26 matches for the German outfit last season, finding the back of the net on ten occasions while providing three assists in all competitions.
His goal-scoring record is not prolific by any means. Still, the Czech striker deserves credit for averaging 2.5 shots, 1.0 key passes and 0.9 dribbles per game in the Bundesliga and the UEFA Champions League. However, Schick could improve his ball-distribution as he has completed 72% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
The Praha-born talent has also earned 22 senior caps for the Czech Republic national team, netting nine goals for his homeland in the process. If the on-loan Leipzig striker can maintain his good form in the coming seasons, then he will have a solid shot of becoming a regular feature for his country.
What Will The Czech Republic International Bring To St. James’ Park?
Schick can use his quickness and agility to make some driving runs with the ball in behind the last line of the opposition defence. He has outstanding ball control that allows him to complete a few dangerous dribbles in the final third. The Czech sensation is also proficient at getting shots in on-target but needs to improve his productivity in front of the opposition goal.
Maybe a permanent change of scenery this summer could help Schick settle down and realise his true potential. He will not only add more goals and creativity to Steve Bruce’s attack but also enhance the overall quality of their squad at Tyneside.
Furthermore, Schick will be a significant upgrade over Joelinton, Andy Carroll and Dwight Gayle at St. James’ Park in the upcoming campaign. The Roma striker is a capable finisher in the final third, so he will undeniably be a decent solution to Newcastle’s attacking problems from the recently concluded Premier League campaign.
However, the jury is still out on whether Schick has what it takes to cope with the physical nature and high intensity of English football. All in all, it seems like the Czech marksman will be well worth the gamble if Bruce decides to make a move for him before the start of the new campaign.
