Five left-backs Newcastle could sign instead of Matt Targett or Renan Lodi
The left back search this summer seems to have been filtered down to a choice of two. Matt Targett or Renan Lodi, with the latter seemingly the priority. However, the club may want to sign two left backs depending on the outgoings this summer.
Below, we detail five left backs that the club could choose to target this summer, if they fail to land their two priority targets.
Rogerio - Sassuolo
The Brazilian has been heavily linked to the club over the last few seasons, which suggests that he is a firm favourite of Steve Nickson. It wouldn't be a surprise to see him sign at some point in the future.
Sassuolo have been one of the best stories in Serie A, as they regularly punch above their weight. Rogerio has developed well there.
There are some positive things in his game, especially with the ball. His pass accuracy of 82.9% shows that he is reliable in possession, which would appeal to Eddie Howe. He can carry the ball too, with an average of 6.45 progressive carries per ninety minutes. In this metric, he ranks in the 86th percentile among full backs.
His average of 2.5 shot creating actions per ninety minutes is also very impressive. The concerns would be with Rogerio's physicality and whether he is robust enough to thrive in England.
Alex Grimaldo - Benfica
It is expected that Alex Grimaldo is going to leave Benfica this summer and that would be a huge coup for the club. Grimaldo is a very highly rated left-back with plenty of experience.
During the last four league seasons, he has contributed 11 goals and 32 assists. It is a remarkable contribution for a full back and it isn't surprising that there is a lot of interest in him.
He showed his quality in the Champions League in the recent season with three assists, averaging 2.09 shot creating actions per ninety minutes.
His strengths lie in attack, but he is still a good defender. Grimaldo would be a good fit for English football.
Hassane Kamara - Watford
There were several good debuts at St James' Park, but it can be argued that one of the best wasn't by a Newcastle player. Hassane Kamara made his debut in the 1-1 draw and he was one of the best players on the pitch.
It is difficult to read too much into his stats at Watford, as he was playing in a side destined for relegation. However, he is a very good presser, with an average of 16.16 pressures per ninety minutes, placing him in the 81st percentile among full backs.
Further to this, he averages 3.24 tackles and 4.44 interceptions per ninety minutes, highlighting his aggression out of possession.
As an attacking force, his stats are less impressive, but that could improve in a better team. If we were to target him, it would be as a back-up rather than a starter.
Alfonso Pedraza - Villarreal
If Howe has a focus on signing a more attacking option to play left back, Alfonso Pedraza should be under consideration. This is a player that excels in the opposition half and has experience at the highest level. He played a key role in Villarreal's success in Europe for the past two seasons.
In La Liga, he contributed four goals and four assists in the previous season, with one further assist in the Champions League.
He averages 0.09 xG and 0.19 xA per ninety minutes, ranking in the 89th and 94th percentiles among full backs. Further to this, he averages 1.22 shots, 2.15 shot creating actions and 7.17 progressive carries per ninety minutes. For all of these, he ranks in the top 10% among full backs.
After playing for Unai Emery, he is understandably disciplined as a defender, with excellent reading of the game. This Is shown by his average of 2.57 interceptions per ninety minutes.
Sergio Reguilon - Tottenham
This would be an incredible coup if we were to sign Sergio Reguilon. For me, it is possible and an example of an opportunity arising. Tottenham have signed Ivan Perisic to play left wing-back, which will heavily decrease the minutes available to Reguilon.
If Reguilon is available, he would be a great signing to play left back. He has plenty of top level experience for Sevilla and Tottenham, with the latter being particularly useful, as he could hit the ground running.
The Spaniard is excellent at receiving the ball in dangerous positions and carrying a big attacking threat. He averages 2.63 touches in the opposition penalty area, placing him in the 86th percentile.
In the Premier League this season, he contributed two goals and three assists, a tidy return. His underlying numbers are even better, as he averages 0.14 expected goals and 0.19 expected assists per ninety minutes. He is in the 98th and 92nd percentiles respectively.
As a defender, Reguilon is capable and he competes well aerially, which is why he is a good fit for English football. He would be my top target this summer.
