OPINION
Newcastle United are in dire need of reinforcements in multiple positions on the pitch come the winter transfer window, but left back might be one of their biggest problem positions.
Regular starter Paul Dummett was ruled out of the team’s 2-0 defeat to Leicester City on Saturday with a hamstring injury, and his absence spelled out the team’s shortage of options at left back in bright neon lights.
Kenedy, a winger by trade, filled in at left back against the Foxes and his unfamiliarity with the position was clear. With that said, surely a January move for West Ham United’s Aaron Cresswell should be a priority for Rafael Benitez.
The former Ipswich Town man has suffered from a lack of game time this season, as his position as the Hammers’ first choice left back has been usurped by Arthur Masuaku.
Perhaps new West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini simply doesn’t fancy the Englishman, but he is too good to be languishing on the London Stadium bench for much longer.
Prior to this season the 28-year-old, on a reported £50,000-per-week [Source: Spotrac], had been a key man for the Hammers and even earned an England call up in 2016.
It’s clear that Newcastle need a left back, having Kenedy as your back up is no option at all, and Cresswell isn’t getting regular football in East London. On paper it’s a match made in heaven, and if Benitez is given the funds to make it happen then the signing could prove to be a masterstroke for the Magpies.
At 28 years of age Cresswell should just now be entering his prime, while he’s shown in the past that he is a capable Premier League starter.
Dummett has looked solid this season, but the Welsh international really has no competition in his position. Ciaran Clark has been known to operate at left back but the Republic of Ireland star is better suited as a centre back.
It makes sense for Newcastle to provide Benitez with another option at the position, and Cresswell should be the prime candidate come January.
The former Ipswich man is terrific getting forward while being adept defensively. His crossing and set piece delivery is among the best in his position, making him a versatile asset for the Magpies.
West Ham aren’t playing Cresswell so there’s no reason why Newcastle can’t succeed with a January move for the player. The position has become a problem for Benitez and it needs to be addressed – Cresswell is the man to make it his own.
