OPINION
You do not have to be a Newcastle United supporter to realise that the current Magpies squad needs a quite significant upgrade in January.
One of the major areas that needs improvement is out wide, and that’s why Rafael Benitez should be looking to reignite his team’s interest in reported summer target Matt Phillips.
The Daily Mail claimed in July 2018 that Newcastle were one of three sides interested in signing the Scotland international in summer, but the West Bromwich Albion man ultimately remained at the Hawthorns.
Now, the Daily Mirror is reporting that Premier League outfits Cardiff City and Burnley are both looking to sign the 27-year-old. For Newcastle not to attempt to barge those teams aside for Phillips would be madness.
The Magpies have not had consistent production from wide areas all season, with only Christian Atsu managing to impress in recent weeks. Phillips is a proven top flight performer in the prime of his career, and a markedly better crosser of the ball than any of Newcastle’s current batch of wingers.
That would come in handy with Phillips’ former Baggies team mate Salomon Rondon playing up front on Tyneside. Just imagine the increase in productivity from Rondon with someone of Phillips’ calibre whipping the ball into him.
Furthermore, the West Brom star has shown an ability to operate to a high level at right wing back. That, again, would be useful for Benitez’s team.
The Spaniard has tinkered with a back five – including wing backs – several times this season, but the formation switch hasn’t seen an improvement in the performances of right back DeAndre Yedlin.
So Phillips could also come in and do a solid job at right wing back. His speed, his high-energy game and his enviable crossing ability would make him an ideal fit in that position.
So not only would a move for Phillips instantly improve this Newcastle squad, but it would kill two positional birds with one stone. What’s not to love?
