Newcastle United are interested in Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
The Telegraph named the England international among the three Chelsea stars that the Magpies are keen on signing in the January transfer window, and now, they’ve given more information on why the Tyneside club are so big on the former Fulham loanee.
Indeed, according to a fresh report from The Telegraph, Newcastle like the fact that Loftus-Cheek can play at right-back as well as in the midfield, believing they can plug two problem positions with one signing if they bring him to St James’ Park.
Signing versatile players is a great idea, and Newcastle have been benefactors of the fact that players such as Joelinton and Dan Burn can thrive in multiple positions, but signing Loftus-Cheek to play him at right-back feels a bit backwards.
Yes, he’s played as a wing-back on occasion for Chelsea this season, but to say that his ability to play at right-back is a strength is to misjudge the player.
For a start, according to Transfermarkt, he’s never even played as a full-back, and his skillset really doesn’t suit that position.
Yes, he’s good on the ball and can drive forward well, but his stamina isn’t up there with the best in the Premier League, and his delivery from wide areas also leaves a lot to be desired.
Of course, Eddie Howe is proving himself to be a managerial magician, so perhaps one wave of his coaching wand with turn Loftus-Cheek into the new Cafu, but we can’t help but feel that Newcastle are a bit wide of the mark if they truly believe that Loftus-Cheek is the answer to any depth issues they have in that position.
He’d be a handy signing as a midfielder, but Newcastle should continue to look for another right-back if they’re intent on adding to that spot.
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