Three alternatives to Kieran Tierney Newcastle could target in search for new left-back
The transfer window feels like it is going to be an important one for us, as we try to build a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts. During this series of articles, we will suggest some potential targets for the key positions that need strengthening.
In this piece, we look at left back. In recent matches, we have had multiple left backs on the bench, but it is one of the weak positions in our first eleven. Although Dan Burn has done a commendable job, he is playing out of position and he can be targeted by opposition teams. With the ball, he can slow down our build up. Without it, his lack of pace can be an issue.
Eddie Howe will want to stick to the tactical ideas he has showed belief in this season. It may appeal to supporters to get a more attacking left back, but the manager may want a similar profile to Burn. This would mean looking for a defensive minded left back, who is more polished with and without the ball. A player with better physical attributes will also be wanted.
Below, we list three potential targets:
Piero Hincapie – Leverkusen
Unusually, we may be looking at left-footed centre-backs, who have shown an ability to play in a full-back position. The best example of this would be Ecuador international Piero Hincapie. Interestingly, fbref has Dan Burn as the best statistical match for him when comparing his profile to other full-backs. He has been linked with us in the past and could be on the agenda again this summer.
Leverkusen are a club that we have clearly spent a lot of time scouting, after links to Moussa Diaby and Amine Adli in recent months. There is a lot of talent at the club. Hincapie is capable of playing as a centre-back in a back four and back three, while he has played as a full-back.
He is comfortable with the ball and would be a significant upgrade on Burn in that regard. Hincapie averages 65.79 passes per ninety minutes and can carry the ball out of defence. The Ecuador international averages 1.79 progressive carries per ninety minutes.
As would be expected from a South American, he is an aggressive defender, averaging 2.34 tackles per ninety minutes. In the air, he isn’t as dominant as Burn, but he is more than effective to compete aerially in the Premier League. It could be a smart signing, that improves us, without unsettling the balance of the defence.
Tyrick Mitchell – Crystal Palace
If there is one club that seems to specialise in producing defensive minded full-backs, it is Crystal Palace. Aaron Wan Bissaka has built a reputation as a one-on-one defender, while Tyrick Mitchell has been very effective in South London for a few seasons now.
Eddie Howe prefers Premier League experience and Mitchell could be a player that catches his attention. At the age of 23, there is scope for further development and Howe could be the perfect coach to coax that out of him.
Mitchell averages 2.27 tackles, 1.31 interceptions, 1.49 blocks and 2.4 clearances per ninety minutes. He is an active and effective defender, but there will be concerns about his physical build. Howe does seem to want physically dominant players. Despite his stature, he would add pace and mobility to the back line.
Although he is unlikely to meet all the requirements, if Howe wants a plug and play defensive minded left-back, Mitchell will be considered.
Marc Cucurella – Chelsea
It has been a contrasting two years for Marc Cucurella in England. During his first season with Brighton, he looked to have potential to become one of the best left-backs in the league.
Manchester City were heavily linked, but it was Chelsea that signed him. There has been a drop in his performance this season. That shouldn’t be held against him though, as all Chelsea players have struggled for him. It isn’t a good environment for any player.
Alexander Isak had an underwhelming season in front of goal last season, but the club decided to sign him and we have benefitted from that. In recruitment, it is clever to ‘buy the dip’ if you have belief in the ability of a player. Cucurella could be a player worth targeting.
Cucurella is an aggressive defender, as shown by his average of 3.31 tackles, 0.99 interceptions, 1.61 blocks and 2.48 clearances per ninety minutes. His versatility is also a plus, as he can play in a back four or as the left centre-back in a back three.
Although he isn’t an attacking full-back, he is tidy in possession and a significant upgrade on Burn. In a more settled environment, like the one he had at Brighton, Cucurella could thrive once again.
