Newcastle United have seemingly appeared to be a side which is aiming for great things under the tutelage of Rafael Benitez. Despite their demotion from the Premier League, the Magpies held themselves as a unit, kept producing good results in the Championship (more often than not) and not only earned a direct entry back to the English top division but did it in some splendid style by clinching the Championship silverware.
Now the next target for the former Liverpool and Real Madrid boss would be to equip his squad with more talent and competition for places before they start to sail amidst the animosity of the Premier League in the upcoming campaign. Without any shadow of a doubt, cultivating further resilience into their central defensive slot would hold paramount importance and it was reported of late that the Geordies are planning to lure Sporting CP’s promising centre-back Ruben Semedo to St. James’ Park in the summer.
Semedo has played a pivotal role for the Lions in the Primeira Liga this season as he accumulated 31 appearances for them in all competitions, including Champions League. The 23-year-old has registered 1.8 tackles, 2.6 interceptions, 2.7 clearances and 0.2 blocks per game on an average this season in the Portuguese top flight, and in the process, has been able to ink his name in the good books of the football fraternity. Having emerged through the youth ranks of Sacavenense, Futebol Benfica and Sporting CP, Semedo quickly established himself as a key player for the Green and Whites and it makes perfect sense on the part of the Toons to have put him on their radar.
Tall, strong and immensely powerful, Semedo has appeared to be a modern day centre-back who has the pace as well as athleticism to thrive whilst plying his trade for any top quality side. He marks his men pretty well and his well-built frame gives him an advantage while dealing aerially with his opponents. Besides, he is well equipped to make bold tackles and interceptions, clears the dangers handsomely whenever he sniffs them and his boldness has indeed frustrated truckloads of strikers.
Frankly speaking, the black and white crops would do themselves a massive favour by signing him as his notable calibre will help Benitez in beefing up his squad. He has shown adequate maturity while catering to his defensive endeavours and has the ability to find his colleagues in a very precise manner. He might not be a finished product at this stroke of hour, but under the navigation of Benitez, he would be able to brush himself up and get the opportunity of drawing a wide scale limelight by playing in arguably the most appealing football league in the world.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
