The 2018 World Cup could present Newcastle United with new transfer targets

Newcastle United can use the 2018 World Cup tournament to scout new transfer targets this summer.

Although Newcastle will not have any representation at the 2018 World Cup tournament in Russia, the club should pay close attention to the tournament. The month-long World Cup will provide the Magpies with an opportunity to scout a wide range of players with various attributes.

Newcastle need to add more depth to their midfield and are in dire need of a quality striker who can finish with precision. The World Cup will enable Newcastle to scrutinize players’ consistency, work ethic and dedication to collective success. Being a club with no major names on the roster, Newcastle is heavily dependent on collective effort and chemistry to win matches. This is a major reason why the World Cup is the perfect recruitment hub for a mid-table club like Newcastle.

When scouting players, it is important to find players who will be a good fit and have a specific set of skills the rest of the roster lacks. With that being said, Newcastle should also be wise and search for players who are under the radar for the purpose of avoiding competition in the transfer market.

National Teams Worth Analyzing

32 national teams will be competing for the most prestigious international football trophy, but Newcastle’s scouts do not need to monitor every team. Of the 32 nations participating in the tournament, there are three that Newcastle should keep a close eye on.

Iceland

Iceland have taken Europe by storm over the last few years with their rapid and unexpected rise to football prominence. There are very few disparities between how Iceland and Newcastle play their football. Collective effort is key for Iceland to succeed, but one advantage they have over their opposition is height and strength.

The Magpies are a lively squad on the wings and having an aggressive, tall striker in the middle could lead to more goals. Moreover, some Icelandic footballers have made their to way to England and have experience playing in the Premier League. For those reasons, Newcastle should track Iceland’s front-line this summer.

Croatia

The Croatian national team is comprised of some household names which makes Croatia a dark horse in the tournament. What is impressive about Croatia is their depth and this is something Newcastle should note. In all honesty, Newcastle would not stand a chance pursuing a top Croatian player due to a limited budget. However, Croatia’s youngsters would be worth pursuing and some will get sufficient playing time.

Since the days of Yugoslavia, Croatian players have been gifted tacticians and possess great pace. Newcastle would be wise to search for a center midfielder or winger within Croatia’s ranks. Croatian players always gain recognition in major tournaments, so Newcastle must act quickly if they see a player they like.

Senegal

Newcastle are very familiar with Senegal and they should maintain their admiration for footballers from the West African nation. Senegalese players are often considered triple threats on the pitch due to their strength, pace and finishing. It is also worth noting that Senegal is making their first appearance in the tournament since 2002.

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This means that Rafa Benitez and his scouts can expect to see Senegal playing with urgency and maximum effort to make the most of their opportunity on the global stage. Benitez appreciates self-motivated players and Senegalese internationals will showcase their dedication in each match. Whether it be a midfielder or a striker, Senegalese quality would be welcomed on Tyneside.