Newcastle United have been linked with a striker, but how do they compare to key striker Callum Wilson?
As reported by French outlet Jeunes Footeux (via Newcastle World), Jonathan David’s form has captured the attention of Newcastle. The Tyneside club are allegedly prepared to pay £30 million for the striker.
Considering Newcastle’s current financial status, it would be no shock to see the Premier League club go out and at least submit a bid for David in the summer.
If they did, though, could David take Wilson’s place in the team when he’s fit? Let’s see how the two strikers compare:
Callum Wilson
Over the past number of seasons, the NUFC man has proven himself to be a capable Premier League goalscorer.
Indeed, this term he has six goals in 15 outings, while he scored 12 in 26 in the previous campaign – his best tally in the division was 14 in 3o matches with Bournemouth.
Across his entire career, he averages 0.42 goals per game, which is an impressive rate, though it still comes up worse than David’s 0.59.
Wilson has also scored 13 penalty kicks, compared to David who has five, which makes the Canadian’s rate even more impressive (via FBRef).
Jonathan David
Wilson has spent time out injured this season, which has seen him register over 700 fewer minutes the the Newcastle-linked striker, however, he’s still inferior to David in the expected goals per game department, with the Lille man expected to score 0.5 goals per game to Wilson’s 0.33 (FBRef).
Things are slightly closer on the shots per game front, with David just pipping Wilson with 1.9 compared to 1.8 while both share a decent goal conversion percentage with 26% and 22% respectively (SofaScore).
David also has the upper hand in the creative department when it comes to providing for teammates, as he’s created three big chances in the current campaign, with Wilson stuck on 0.
However, Wilson does seem the more dominant in the air with 38% of his aerial duels having been won, but David isn’t too far behind with 32%.
TIF verdict…
If Eddie Howe wants goals and he wants them soon, then David has proven he can score goals on a consistent basis. Given Wilson is now 29, and considering his injury record, he may not be a reliable option over the next few seasons.
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Of course, Wilson has been fantastic during his time on Tyneside so far, having amassed 18 goals and five assists in just 43 games. But David just seems to be a level above at the moment, as well as providing a bit more reliability with fresher legs having only missed one game for the Ligue 1 side this season in all competitions.
Still only 22, if the striker can continue his current goalscoring form and develop in the right way, he could be an ideal replacement for Wilson.
In other news: He’s prolific: Newcastle eyeing striker who can make Chris Wood come good – opinion