In a recent report, The Shields Gazette has claimed that Newcastle United are eyeing a January move to bring back Eintracht Frankfurt full-back Jetro Willems. It is understood that the Dutch defender is one of the Magpies boss Steve Bruce’s targets for the upcoming winter transfer window with the player’s current contract at Deutsche Bank Park set to expire at the end of this campaign (via The Sheilds Gazette).
Willems’ Impressive Loan Spell At St. James’ Park Last Season
The 26-year-old is yet to play any competitive football this season as he is still nursing his way back to full fitness after suffering a cruciate ligament rupture during his loan spell at Newcastle last season. The Rotterdam-born talent managed to impress when representing the Magpies in the previous campaign when he featured in 20 matches for them, registering two goals and three assists across all fronts.
Willems caught the eye with his overall contributions at the Tyneside club after he averaged 1.9 tackles, 0.9 interceptions, 2.0 clearances, 0.7 shots, 0.8 key passes and 1.1 dribbles per game in the 2019-20 Premier League campaign. However, he needs to improve his ball-distribution accuracy as he completed 76.9% of his attempted passes in the English first division (stats via whoscored).
The 22-time Netherlands international’s career in German football has come to a standstill, so he should welcome the opportunity to rejoin the Magpies if such a possibility arises when the transfer window reopens in January.
What Will The Dutch Full-Back Add To Steve Bruce’s Side?
Willems has decent pace under his belt and can make some driving runs with the ball on the left-wing. He is a strong dribbler and can be a hard man to dispossess when left isolated in a 1v1 situation in the opposition half.
The Dutch left-back is also a terrific crosser of the ball as he can put a lot of curve with his deliveries into the opponent’s penalty box. Plus, he is a capable defender at the back because of his athleticism that helps him to clear the danger when left exposed inside his half.
Will Willems Be A Good Option For The Magpies?
Willems already knows the Tynesiders well from his loan spell with them last season and won’t take too much time to integrate himself back into English football. Therefore, Steve Bruce should consider bringing him back to St. James’ Park this winter as he will offer serious competition for Jamal Lewis in the race to secure a regular left-back berth in Newcastle’s first-team.
At 26, Willems is about to embark upon the prime years of his playing career which makes him a good option for the Magpies during the January transfer window. Hence, only time will tell whether he can rediscover his old form if given a chance to come back to the Premier League this season.
