A tinge of Spanish flavour is something Rafa Benitez seemingly really craves for in his team.

At Newcastle United, Ayoze Perez has (somewhat) provided him with that treat, with the less said about Joselu the better. Well, with the Magpies defence needing serious reinforcements, Benitez is apparently aiming to add some Spanish spice to fire up their topsy-turvy backline.

As a result, Newcastle have started their pursuit from a rising left-back in La Liga. Indeed, according to reports (via Chronicle Live), the Magpies are interested in Barcelona’s Marc Cucurella. The 20-year-old had an impressive debut first-season in the Spanish top-flight with Eibar, even netting his first senior goal against his parent club in the final week.

Lacking in proper left-backs for over a season, they need someone trustworthy outside of Paul Dummett. So, while Cucurella’s a promising prospect, proving a formidable force going forward with his speed along with incisiveness, his experience is still lacking.

Granted, the 20-year-old stood firm against intimidating opposition in La Liga, but facing the Premier League heat is another case altogether. At this stage in his career, he could be overpowered physically,  outwitted tactically and could possibly be chewed up by the tricky opposition wingers. Benitez requires a stronger mental fortitude to solidify his back-line, as relying on youngsters isn't the right option.

Cucurella’s a fine future prospect. Buying him won’t do any harm and actually hand the Magpies an ambitious left-back who can bloom over in the long-term. However, to fix Benitez’s immediate defensive issues, the 20-year-old’s just too young and defensive unstable to be handed the pressure of first-team Premier League action.

Newcastle fans, do you think Cucurella can solve the left-back issues? Join the discussion by commenting below...