In a recent report, Bild stated that Newcastle United are facing stiff competition for Hoffenheim full-back David Raum this summer. It is believed that the Magpies are set to rival West Ham United in pursuit of the German defender.
Raum’s Rich Vein Of Form In The Bundesliga Last Season
Raum enjoyed a decent campaign in Germany as he managed to put in several impressive displays on the left side of Hoffenheim’s defence. The 24-year-old scored three times and secured 13 assists in 35 matches for the German club last season in various competitions.
The nine-time German international has made a positive impact at both ends of the field by averaging 1.6 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 1.1 clearances, 0.8 shots, 2.6 key passes and 1.0 dribbles per 90 minutes in Bundesliga. He was even tidy when distributing possession from the left flank after completing 79.5% of his attempted passes in the German first division (stats via whoscored).
Should Newcastle United Boss Eddie Howe Move In For Raum This Summer?
Raum is a tough-tackling full-back who can read the danger well to earn the ball back for his team at the back. He is often quick to clear the danger and can use his pace and agility to make some clever runs with the ball down the left wing.
The German talent is a good playmaker in the final third and can even contribute by scoring the odd goal from time to time. He is primarily a left-back but can also fill in as a winger on either flank if required.
Someone of Raum’s skillset will undeniably add more competition for Matt Targett at St. James’ Park. Therefore, the Magpies‘ head coach Eddie Howe should think about moving in for the German international before the end of this transfer window.
At 24, Raum will only get better with each season but there are some question marks over whether he would be able to handle the physical nature and high intensity of Premier League football. Still, the pros outweigh the cons of signing Raum, so the Tyneside outfit should focus on going all out in the race to land the talented left-back in this off-season.
