OPINION
While there are some quality players available to Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez, most fans would say the Spaniard was lacking the quality in depth to be a real threat to the rest of the Premier League.
The likes of Salomon Rondon, Matt Ritchie, Jonjo Shelvey and Kenedy are all undoubtedly top performers for the Magpies but it is those acting as back up options to the starting XI where things go downhill.
One man who supporters will feel is some way off the level required for Benitez and his side is 24-year-old versatile full back Javier Manquillo, whose constant running and work ethic does not make up for his lack of natural ability.
He has been a liability when chosen to start – acting as understudy to both DeAndre Yedlin on the right and Paul Dummett on the left – and it is quite clear an upgrade is needed moving forward.
Step forward Dutch international left back Jetro Willems, who the Daily Mail claim is a top target of Benitez’s this summer.
A 22-cap star, the 24-year-old is currently playing for Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, having signed for a reported £4.5million last summer and while the German side are said to be reluctant at letting him leave, a fee in excess of what was paid back in 2017 could reportedly be enough to seal a deal.
His age, experience and proven talent shows he is a worthy signing for Newcastle and at a price somewhere from £5million upwards, could be a bargain – but a lack of transfer funds means that Benitez will likely have to sell before buying.
Considering he would quite clearly be a mega upgrade on Manquillo at left back and that the Spanish defender has failed to live up to expectations, Benitez can kill two birds with one stone by axing his current man in January and using the funds to bring in someone of a much higher calibre.
There is no questioning that improvements are needed – this is how Rafa can achieve them.