The Newcastle United fans in the Transfer Tavern are hoping to see a new number ten arrive at the club this summer to provide a creative influence in the attacking-third next season.
Rafa Benitez relied heavily on Ayoze Perez to operate in a number ten role last season with little by way of alternatives to chose from. The little Spaniard was heavily criticised during the early stages of the season, but he continued to work-hard to prove his doubters wrong and he reaped the rewards during the final months of the season.
Perez became a key player for Newcastle in the final-third and provided plenty of attacking threat when the club needed it most, however, Benitez cannot continue to rely on him next season, especially now Mo Diame has formed a solid partnership with Jonjo Shelvey in a deeper midfield position.
With that in mind, Benitez should keep a close eye on the highly-anticipated World Cup opening fixture on Thursday as one of the hosts most treasured talents is set to make an appearance on the international stage, namely Aleksey Miranchuk of Lokomotiv Moscow (valued at £12.6 million by Transfermarkt).
The left-footed number ten is only 22-years-old, so he will undoubtedly be feeling the pressure as one of the crown jewel’s of the host nation. After establishing himself as Lokotmiv’s first-choice attacking midfielder, Miranchuk went on to notch 8 goals and provide 11 assists from 41 appearances in all-competitions last season, and with statistics like that it’s no wonder he’s been bookmarked as one to watch during the World Cup.
With neat dribbling and incisive passing at the heart of his game, Miranchuk appears to possess the potential to take a step up in class to the Premier League next season, so Benitez should keep a close eye on his development in Russia and make a bid for his services if he continues to impress.
Perez’s form has taken the edge off the number ten conundrum at Newcastle, but there’s no doubt that attacking midfield remains a position which is in urgent need of strengthening, and signing Miranchuk could provide the perfect solution to a nagging problem on Tyneside.
Newcastle fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
