Newcastle have been plunged into an injury crisis following the match against Leicester, where four players had to leave the pitch, and that means it is time for Mike Ashley to dip his hand into his pocket once again.
Steve Bruce deserves to be backed having arguably performed above what was expected of him at the beginning of the season. Even though some of his signings have been unsuccessful so far, the Magpies sit 13th in the table.
One goal for Joelinton and five starts for Emil Krafth are evidence of their failings in the market but he does also have the success of Allan Saint-Maximin and Jetro Willems to boast of, with many supporters keen for the latter to be signed permanently.
Saint-Maximin has excited too with his antics on and off the pitch, whether it is winding up Sunderland fans or averaging 4.5 dribbles per league game.
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As a result, Bruce’s experienced judgement should be trusted, and since he likes Rangers’ Alfredo Morelos, Newcastle should attempt to sign the striker this month.
If that’s not enough, a look at his stats reveals everything you need to know about ‘El Bufalo’, and why he would be such a hit in the Premier League.
For starters, a remarkable 28 goals in 35 appearances already this season – with 12 coming in the league – shows he can be prolific, and that eye for goal that he possesses should allow him to score goals at any level, as his six Europa League strikes attest to.
There is a natural concern, though. Newcastle don’t score many and that’s mainly due to a lack of creativity, with Jonjo Shelvey’s 1.7 key passes per game the highest of any regular starter in the squad, which isn’t exactly anything to write home about.
However, the six-cap Colombia international is able to make chances for himself and others through his own tenacity and hard work. His endless running against Porto was a fine example of that as he set-up Steven Davis’ goal in a 2-0 win.
Added to that, he has also averaged 2.6 recoveries of possession each league game this campaign, per Wyscout, and that shows the commitment he would be able to provide Newcastle in defence and attack.
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As a result, he would offer the ability to defend from the front. This is something the less mobile Joelinton and Andy Carroll can’t provide, with 2.5 successful dribbles and 75% pass accuracy also eclipsing the return of the latter.
The Magpies would undoubtedly benefit from an alternative option like Morelos up-front, particularly on the counter-attack. Add the fact he has been fouled 81 times this term and it suggests he could win penalties and free-kicks for Bruce’s side.
Assessing the stats and what Newcastle need, he would surely be worth the money spent on him.
If the above isn’t reason enough as to why Newcastle should sign a new striker, the form of Joelinton also indicates why a change up-front is much-needed.