Sport
Is Georginio Wijnaldum the player Newcastle have been lacking?
Georginio Wijnaldum is certainly not a household name in European football yet must be regarded as one of Newcastle United’s best transfers during Mike Ashley’s tenure at St. James’ Park. The Dutchman ticks all the right boxes to become a star in the Premier League and, at just £14.7 million, he’s not overpriced. In fact, many are suggesting that Wijnaldum could be the bargain of the summer transfer window. The 24-year-old, who scored 18 goals in all competitions for club and country last season, is certainly talented and could light up England’s top flight with his positive, direct running this campaign.
A number of Newcastle supporters were a little disappointed to see Wijnaldum become Steve McClaren’s first signing rather than Queens Park Rangers striker Charlie Austin, however the majority are pleased to see Ashley splashing the cash. Speaking in his first television interview for years on the final day of last season, the Magpies chairman revealed that he would spend astutely in the summer transfer window and look to build a formidable club for the future. The purchase of Wijnaldum, along with the impending arrival of Aleksandar Mitrovic, suggests that the future is bright at Newcastle United.
Crucially, the 24-year-old will bring much needed goals from midfield. Newcastle United have always been regarded as an attacking club yet they have struggled to hit the back of the net in recent years. Wijnaldum has scored 10 league goals or more in four of the past five seasons – an impressive statistic for a midfielder. Furthermore, he netted four goals in 11 appearances during an injury-hit 2013-14 campaign and will look to continue his excellent scoring form for Newcastle this term.
Newcastle have been short of leaders ever since the likes of Nolberto Solano, Alan Shearer and Shay Given left the club. Georginio Wijnaldum is, although not necessarily imposing in stature, a born leader and has shown that he can rough it out with the best of them. The Dutchman captained PSV Eindhoven to their first league title since 2008 last season and his leadership qualities – both on and off the field – will be useful in the future. The 24-year-old has a long career ahead of him at St. James’Park and there have already been whispers that he could be the club’s long-term future captain.
With Remy Cabella supposedly on his way out of the club, Wijnaldum could feature regularly at Newcastle this season. His best position is attacking midfield, or the ‘number 10’ role, and McClaren could opt for a diamond formation to accommodate both the Dutchman and Moussa Sissoko in the starting line-up. The France international has been Newcastle’s standout performer for the last two seasons and, although he has been linked with a move to Arsenal, remains committed and loyal to the Magpies for the time being. Wijnaldum will have his work cut out to fully displace Sissoko in the Newcastle starting line-up, but a little healthy competition never hurt anybody.
Supporters will be worried about Wijnaldum’s lack of physicality and who can blame them. With both Chiek Tiote and Vernun Anita in the midfield, Newcastle could be dominated and ‘bullied’ off the ball during matches. Admittedly, this is a worry for the Magpies and they will need to combat this – particularly in away games. It wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see the Dutchman hit the gym and develop his stature – an action that would help him to make a colossal impact on England’s top flight.
Wijnaldum certainly looks the part but, as with many foreign footballers, Newcastle supporters will have to give the Dutchman a full season before they can judge him. He’s a talented prospect and his goals from midfield will be welcomed at St. James’ Park yet there are still doubts over his ability to play at the top level. Given time, however, Wijnaldum will succeed at Newcastle and could well be leading the team out as captain in the future.
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