In a recent report, Il Messaggero has stated that Newcastle United are set to rival Watford for Lazio custodian Thomas Strakosha. It has been revealed that the Magpies are eyeing a move for the Albanian keeper who is dreaming of a move to the Premier League.
Strakosha’s Impressive Form In Italian Football
Strakosha is having a decent campaign in Italy as he has continued to serve as a solid presence in between the sticks for Lazio over the past eight months. The 27-year-old has shipped in 23 goals and secured ten clean sheets in 23 matches for the Italian club this season in multiple competitions.
The Athens-born talent has performed well to average 0.6 clearances and 6.3 long balls per game in Serie A. He has even taken care of the ball when distributing possession from the back after completing 81.7% of his attempted passes in the Italian top tier (stats via whoscored).
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Should Newcastle United Boss Eddie Howe Get Strakosha On Board This Summer?
Strakosha has decent reflexes that help him pull off a few important saves at the back. He is a solid handler of the ball and is usually accurate when passing it from the back.
The Albanian talent doesn’t mind coming out of his lines to make a clearance when the opposition attackers are racing towards his goal.
At 27, Strakosha is playing at his prime and would enhance the quality of Eddie Howe‘s first XI. Plus, an experienced keeper like the Albania international would serve as an upgrade over Martin Dubravka who has struggled to be consistent at St. James’ Park this season. Strakosha could even help the Magpies challenge for a European place in the Premier League and maybe, even challenge for a major trophy over the next few years.
Therefore, Howe should try everything in his power to get the Lazio goalie on board when the transfer window reopens later this summer. He ticks all the right boxes in terms of what it takes to a success story at the Tyneside club. However, there are some concerns over whether Strakosha would be able to cope with the physical nature and high intensity of English football.
