The lack of squad depth proved costly for Newcastle United as they went down 3-0 to League One side Oxford United in the FA Cup 4th round. Rafa Benitez had to field a weak side keeping an eye on the midweek Championship game against Queens Park Rangers, which is undoubtedly more important than the FA Cup for the Magpies at the moment.
However, one couldn’t help but notice the lack of options the boss had in the midfield. Jack Colback and Jonjo Shelvey needed to have fresh feet for the league game and Benitez had to start with Isaac Hayden alongside Cutis Good. A centre-half by nature, Good looked visually uncomfortable in the position and the team had to pay the price.
It explains the desperation Newcastle United are having regarding a central midfielder. And they were dealt a severe blow in their search as reportedly they had a £16million offer for Everton’s James McCarthy rejected. Although the Magpies have a squad good enough for the Championship, they are pretty much assured of a promotion for next season (fingers crossed) and the current squad lacks the quality to play at the highest level.
Despite James McCarthy seeing very little first team action, the Merseyside clubs looks set to hold on to the Republic of Ireland international. He joined the club back in 2013 from Wigan Athletic but has never been able to truly establish himself as a first-team player.
Anyway, now with a good option out of reach, Benitez will have to look elsewhere to bolster his midfield. Here are 3 alternatives the Newcastle boss could opt for.
Ibrahima Cisse
A deep lying midfielder by nature, this Standard Liege player could be an effective addition to Newcastle’s midfield. At 182cm, Cisse could be pretty domineering in the aerial duels and brings a big presence in the midfield. He has made 15 first team appearances so far scoring one goal and completing 130 passes with a pass accuracy of 87%, of which 63% have been forward passes.
Although Liege is quite a regular in the Champions League, but they never have a realistic chance to advancing beyond the round of 16. Moving to Premier League could be a chance for the Belgian to get the spotlight he needs.
Ben Osborn
Now, this player has been a target for the Magpies for a long time now. Reports emerged that the club was also preparing a £4 million bid for the 22-year-old. He has been an important player for Nottingham Forest this season.
He has scored one goal this season, creating 57 chances and five assists in 27 appearances. He has completed 703 passes this season with a pass accuracy of 79%, of which 59% have been forward passes. However, Nottingham have just lost Henry Lansbury to Aston Villa lately and the club would like to hold to their young star.
Luka Milivojevic
Now, this might be a long shot as Premier League sides like Sunderland, Hull City, Swansea and more are eyeing a move for the Olympiakos midfielder. But, with a manager like Benitez, who has managed the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale in Real Madrid, we think Milivojevic would take little persuasion to move to a side, who are virtually guaranteed Premier League action next season.
A key member of the Greek side as well as the national side, Milivojevic has scored has scored five goals in 16 Greek Super League games so far. He could bring the needed experience and flair to Newcastle’s midfield.
