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Siem de Jong: A creative Spark

By Graeme Bell

SOUTHAMPTON, UNITED KINGDOM - APRIL 09: Siem de Jong of Newcastle United and Jordy Clasie of Southampton compete for the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Newcastle United at St Mary's Stadium on April 9, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, UNITED KINGDOM - APRIL 09: Siem de Jong of Newcastle United and Jordy Clasie of Southampton compete for the ball during the Barclays Premier League match between Southampton and Newcastle United at St Mary's Stadium on April 9, 2016 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images) /
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Siem de Jong could be a huge boost to Newcastle United this season

When Newcastle signed Siem de Jong from Ajax in 2014, the club thought they had bought a player with a great deal of creativity and an eye for goal. The Magpies weren’t wrong, however the Dutchman has had a wretched run of injuries during his time on Tyneside, with the club and fans not getting to see the real de Jong.

The former Ajax man has made 22 appearances for Newcastle, of which he has started just four times. During the Championship campaign last season, de Jong was sent on loan to Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven, where he teamed up with his brother and former Newcastle loanee Luuk. Initially Siem struggled again with injuries, however the 28-year old bounced back to make 23 appearances in all competitions for PSV. De Jong managed to net six times on his return from injury, and providing he stays fit – He could be just what manager Rafael Benitez is looking for.

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In his previous five seasons prior to joining the Magpies, de Jong managed 75 goals for Ajax. There is certainly no doubting the Dutchman’s quality, he is calm under pressure, has a keen eye for goal and possesses a fantastic range of passing. I really hope the former Ajax man can have a good pre-season, steering clear from injuries – If he can he will be a real asset to Newcastle next season.

Fans who are quick to doubt the Dutchman’s ability, have not had the pleasure of seeing de Jong in full flow. He is a real threat to the opposition, another quality the 28-year old brings to the side is leadership. Newcastle lacked leaders during their relegation season during the 2015/16 campaign, Rafael Benitez has changed that. If de Jong stays on Tyneside this summer he will provide another strong voice in the dressing room.

Rafael Benitez was in constant contact with the Dutchman during his loan spell, and it appears that the Spaniard rates the player highly. Hopefully the 28-year old can prove his fitness and become a big player for Newcastle on their return to the Premier League.