Newcastle United have again managed to take their position at the top of the Championship table after a short stay in the second position. And their four-goal thrashing of bottom dwellers Rotherham has now given them a temporary advantage as Brighton & Hove Albion will play tonight, before their much-awaited clash with each other next.
The return of Jonjo Shelvey from suspension has been a huge boost for Rafa Benitez and the midfield seems to have got back the flair and composure. He started alongside Isaac Hayden after their first-choice midfielder Jack Colback was sent back home right at the last minute by the club doctor. Thanks to Benitez’s constant squad rotation throughout the first half of the season, Hayden was up for the task.
Although Benitez has always preferred to play a number 10 behind the striker, he never had a natural playmaker in his Newcastle squad as such. Mostly taken by either Mo Diame or Ayoze Perez, both have different attributes while attacking and Diame’s preference over the Spaniard is quite understood given his natural position as an attacking midfielder. It is difficult to get a good playmaker at this time of the season.
Hence, keeping an eye on their promotion to the Premier League next year, the boss is reportedly keen on making a move for Dinamo Zagreb’s young sensation Ante Coric. The 19-year-old wonder kid has been described as the ‘new Luka Modric’ and the Magpies have reportedly tabled a bid of £25m for the kid.
Although Croatian newspaper Sportske Novosti suggests that Dinamo Zagreb have understandably rejected the offer, the lure of Premier League might prove to be too strong for the player to resist. And given the stars the Croatian club has produced over the years, like Luka Modric and Real Madrid’s Mateo Kovacic, Coric definitely looks like a bright prospect.
Luka Modric had nearly signed for Newcastle eight years ago but chose to play for Spurs instead and the Magpies aren’t willing to commit the same mistake again. Although his admirers include the likes of Barcelona and Bayern Munich, all big European powerhouses compared to Newcastle who haven’t been in Europe for 14 years, a move to a smaller club might ideally be the next step for the player.
The Croatian has stated his intention to follow his national teammates Ivan Rakitic and Alen Halilovic in playing for Barcelona, which is a huge stage and he is still an unproven prospect. He has scored thrice and assisted the same number of times in his 16 appearances this season. He even bagged a goal and an assist in the UEFA Champions League qualification.
A central attacking midfielder by nature, Coric can also play on the wings and his rich technique could surely be a level up for Newcastle United.
