Stats: Why Zaha is not the answer for Newcastle United

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The Magpies have been linked with a move for the Manchester United winger but it would be an unwise one.

According to the Sunday People, Wilfried Zaha could be available for as little as £7million, although Newcastle United apparently missed the chance to sign the 21-year-old for £100,000 three years ago.

But £7million is a lot of money for an owner who is known for not spending lucratively in the transfer market,.

Mike Ashley has already taken a tough stance on the likes of Bafetimbi Gomis and Pierre-Michel Lasogga this summer, so why should he change for a winger that is yet to prove himself at the top level?

As Opta stats show, Zaha scored no goals and provided just one assist in 12 Premier League appearances last season. That assist came on his Cardiff City debut, before Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decided to use the 21-year-old sparingly.

Meanwhile, Zaha’s crossing accuracy was bettered by Hatem Ben Arfa, Moussa Sissoko, Papiss demba Cisse and Vurnon Anita, while all of the above and Yoan Gouffran averaged more final-third passes than the winger.

Zaha’s only area of success was dribbles won per game, though as Newcastle fans will know all too well with Ben Arfa, dribbling ability alone can only get you so far. Solskjaer has in the past hinted that the young forward doesn’t defend enough and questions have also been asked of his attitude.

So, when Alan Pardew has admitted his side’s need a new striker, what sense does spending £7million on a hit-and-miss young winger make?

The Manchester United man may be a talent with a bright future ahead of him, but that is something United can worry about. Newcastle should really be looking elsewhere.