This article is part of Football FanCast’s In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets…
The summer signing of Jetro Willems went somewhat under the radar, due in part to Allan Saint-Maximin joining at the same time, but he is quickly proving himself to arguably be their best capture of the previous transfer window.
Newcastle spent big on the likes of Saint-Maximin and Joelinton, but loanee Willems has outperformed both and looks natural in the left wing-back role at St James’ Park, making him a valuable asset to Steve Bruce.
The Magpies boss has set-up with the same formation in the majority of the 11 Premier League games he has overseen, and Willems is a commanding figure in the 5-3-2 formation.
His pace and tireless energy allows him to get up and down the flank with great effect, and it hasn’t taken long for him to win over the fans.
An expertly taken goal at Anfield helped with that, but in truth he has been effective in a number of games, and defensively has helped his side keep three clean sheets in the league.
His 2.1 tackles per game, according to WhoScored, have been crucial to that. Only two players in the squad have averaged a higher amount, and considering his usefulness going forward there aren’t many more well-rounded players than him at the club.
The only downside is that he is not yet a permanent Newcastle player, but judging by his stats so far the Magpies should look to meet the €11m (£9.5m) agreed clause with parent club Eintracht Frankfurt.
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He has impressed with his close control and clever touches at times, too. He has only averaged one successful dribble per game but he is unpredictable and adept with both feet, and that was what allowed him to get the better of Trent Alexander-Arnold for his Anfield goal.
Willems’ technical ability has been recognised by Guus Hiddink, and the former Chelsea boss previously suggested the Netherlands international could be “as good as Roberto Carlos”.
Though it looks unlikely he will reach such heights, his ten key passes in the league prove that he is deserving of greater praise than what he has received so far, and if he maintains his current level then he should help his team move away from relegation trouble.
To do that he will need to improve his pass accuracy of 77%. It is a poor return and a contributing factor to Newcastle’s terrible average of 38% possession, and if the Magpies are to begin imposing themselves on matches then he will have to perform better.
That being said, £9.5m is still a bit of a bargain in the current transfer climate, and given the dearth of quality in that area of the squad, it is a deal the club should look to get over the line soon.
