Journalist Ross Gregory has urged Newcastle United to sign Declan Rice in the summer as he can help unlock Bruno Guimaraes in the midfield.
What’s the word?
With that January transfer market now shut, the Magpies will have to make do with their current squad with that they have now. And that means, completing the season without having added a new midfielder – something that was previously touted as a priority in the winter.
Last weekend, Eddie Howe’s men came up against West Ham United at home in the Premier League but were held to a 1-1 draw in front of their own fans.
Hammers’ captain Rice was a key part of that and Gregory has suggested that if Guimaraes is to get more attacking freedom next season, the Englishman would be the perfect buy this summer.
While speaking on NUFC Matters, he explained: “I’d like to see Bruno play a little bit higher up the pitch personally. But for that to happen, Newcastle would need to bring in a top-quality replacement.
“And I don’t honestly think that there is much better in, not just in the Premier League, but also in Europe, across Europe, currently than Declan Rice.
“I know some people don’t rate him. You know, I’ve had conversations over the last few days with people who don’t, who don’t rate him as highly as what I do. Which is fine, that’s football, it’s all about opinions.
“I’ve thought this for two or three years, and I’ve said it for two or three years, I think he’s absolutely top drawer. He is athletic, some of his positioning on Saturday night was outstanding.”
Perfect partner
If you look at Guimaraes’ heatmap in the league this season (via SofaScore), you can see that he plays in the middle of the park without getting into the opposition penalty box with much frequency.
Despite often playing pretty deep, he has still managed to score nine goals for the club since arriving last January and so it’s clear that he knows how to contribute to the attack with real quality.
Howe may well be keen on getting more from the Brazilian further up the field and perhaps a move for Rice next summer could be the perfect way to unlock that.
After all, Rice monstered the midfield against the Magpies from his deep-lying role, winning three tackles (as much as any Newcastle player), making three interceptions (the joint-most from both teams), won his only aerial duel, wasn’t dribbled past once, and also made one clearance – all with 83 per cent passing accuracy and one key pass.
He’s certainly a top talent, it’s just a shame his touted £120m price tag might put the club off.
