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Newcastle United need a striker to complement the midfield

By Durim Halimi

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: Dwight Gayle of Newcastle United reacts after a missed chance during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Newcastle United at London Stadium on December 23, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 23: Dwight Gayle of Newcastle United reacts after a missed chance during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Newcastle United at London Stadium on December 23, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Steve Bardens/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United have talent and depth in midfield, but their efficiency is severely limited without a quality striker up top.

There are currently more questions than answers and more rumors than activity on Tyneside. Newcastle United are in dire need of adding a quality striker to their roster, but they are running out of time as the transfer window closes on August 9th.

Looking at Newcastle’s roster, they are set on the defensive end as they have a talented core on the back-line led by Jamaal Lascelles. The midfield is also worth praising as Rafa Benitez now enjoys depth and a good balance of youth and experience.

The problem for Newcastle remains their front-line. The Magpies must bring in a quality striker if they wish to have a chance at fighting for a top-half finish this season. During the 2017-18 campaign, the Magpies were too dependent on their midfield and that cannot happen again.

Midfield-Striker Partnership

Rafa Benitez is notorious for deploying the 4-2-3-1 formation in most matches. This formation requires constant two-way activity from Newcastle’s midfielders. With that being said, the Magpies will rely on their midfield to orchestrate every attack.

However, having an efficient midfield, but a weak attacking core leads to an ineffective offense. That is exactly what happened to Newcastle last season as the Magpies created 451 chances, but only scored 39 goals.

Newcastle need to bring in an experienced striker before August 9th in order to utilize their talent in midfield. Dwight Gayle and Joselu failed to capitalize on the crosses and through balls that came from midfield. Islam Slimani was given an opportunity on loan, but he also under-performed and returned to Leicester City.

Rondon? Defrel?… Anyone?

The key question that must be answered in the next three weeks is who can fill the void for Newcastle at striker? For months now, I have personally advocated for the Magpies to sign Salomon Rondon from West Brom. Newcastle tried to exploit West Brom’s financial situation with a weak offer, but it seems as though Benitez is keen to sign the Venezuelan international.

New reports are coming out that Newcastle are being linked to AS Roma’s striker, Gregoire Defrel. The Frenchman only played one season for AS Roma and Newcastle’s level of interest remains unknown.

There are several strikers on the market and most of them would improve the roster in ways that Gayle and Joselu cannot. The solution to Newcastle’s offensive woes is simple. The midfield must be complemented by a quality striker who can finish plays with proper execution.