Newcastle United head into the winter break with the wind of their sails, as Champions League desires start to change into extra of a actuality.
With their thrilling top-four chase in thoughts, they are going to absolutely must bolster their ranks in January to proceed that push.
What’s the phrase?
In line with French outlet, Media Foot Marseille, Jonathan David is within the sights of Newcastle.
Per their data, the Magpies are set to check the resolve of his membership aspect, Lille, within the winter market with a bid.
It’s not acknowledged how a lot the participant may price, however Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth will obtain competitors from Manchester United to land the Canadian striker.
That race might properly change into much more hotly contested, nonetheless, if he stars for his nation on the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
Isak-esque
One of many greatest challenges going through Ashworth over the summer time was the addition of a ahead participant to Howe’s ranks.
For thus lengthy they struggled to usher in the required calibre of participant with Sweden worldwide, Alexander Isak, being the one man to reach within the ultimate third.
Isak’s profession on the Toon started in beautiful style, scoring on his debut towards Liverpool after which netting towards Bournemouth too. Sadly, he has cruelly been dominated out with a hamstring damage ever since that purpose again in September.
Callum Wilson has since discovered type, scoring six occasions to seal his place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad. Nonetheless, he too has struggled with damage since arriving at St James’ Park so the doorway of one other striker could be no dangerous factor, particularly if it comes within the type of David.
Within the phrases of radio host, Tony Marinaro, the Canadian is a “phenom” who’s undoubtedly “the most effective strikers on the earth.”
It’s onerous to dispute that declare with the rampant 22-year-old discovering the web on 9 events in 15 outings this season, a tally that provides to his haul of 19 targets in 2021/22. 15 of these strikes final time period got here in Ligue 1, with that quantity greater than each Neymar and Lionel Messi in the identical division.
The younger ahead is a swashbuckling expertise who makes use of a mix of devastating ending capacity and tempo to dominate his opponents.
It’s these qualities that see him in comparison with Isak, who additionally has the tempo and assured ending capacity to terrorise the opposition’s backline.
In line with FB Ref’s related gamers mannequin, they’re immediately in contrast, with the present Newcastle striker the tenth man who’s most alike to David.
Their statistics are related in a variety of areas, notably on the subject of carries with Isak registering 0.91 profitable dribbles per 90 in comparison with the Lille attacker’s 0.88. They’re equally prolific in purpose too, with the previous amassing 0.33 targets per shot heading in the right direction in comparison with the latter’s 0.30.
Defensive actions are additionally the place you possibly can see similarities with the duo each successful 50% of their tackles per 90 minutes.
Though signing him is unlikely to come back and not using a excessive value and mass competitors, it’s clear simply how gifted David is. Thus, trying to deliver him to the north east of England in January is a should for Ashworth and co.
It might absolutely be PIF’s greatest assertion of intent but and one that would properly assure them a spot within the Champions League subsequent marketing campaign.
