Newcastle United will surely be looking to reinforce his squad in the summer and what better way to scout his targets than by watching the World Cup. With Group H being the target, there are choices from Algeria, Belgium, South Korea, and Russia.
There are already a few players who have already made a name for themselves despite all the teams from this group being knocked out, with Belgium the final nation to face the exit. Some hidden talents can surely boost the Magpies ahead of next season as new signings will surely keep the fans happy.
Here are SIX World Cup stars Newcastle United should sign from Group H.
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CLICK ON LEE CHUNG-YONG TO SEE THE FULL LIST
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Aissa Mandi
Name: Aissa Mandi
Age: 22 (October 22, 1991)
Club: Stade Reims
Position: Right Back
Nationality: Algeria
Estimated Value: £1.7 million
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With the highly possible departure of Mathieu Debunchy, Newcastle will be without a quality right back and with rather limited funds, Mandi could serve as a very probably move. At only 22, he is a regular for both Stade Reims and his national team as well.
He is very good when it comes to making interceptions and tackles and is also very effective when attacking due to his ability to send accurate long balls and crosses to the more attacking players.
Faouzi Ghoulam
Name: Faouzi Ghoulam
Age: 23 (February 1, 1991)
Club: Napoli
Position: Left-Back
Nationality: Algeria
Estimated Value: £4.4 million
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Although he recently made a switch to Napoli, Alan Pardew could be interested in a move for the speedy full back in bids to provide some cover alongside the left flank. He had been a regular at Saint Etienne and continues to feature for the first team at Napoli, making 37 appearances the previous season, notching one goal and providing five assist.
His height gives him some advantage when it comes to aerial battles with smaller quicker wingers, while his speed makes it available to keep up with them. Ghoulam’s ability to step in and make an inception can give his team a huge advantage when playing the key passes during the counter attacking.
Islam Slimani
Name: Islam Slimani
Age: 26 (June 18, 1988)
Club: Sporting Lisbon
Position: Striker
Nationality: Algeria
Estimated Value: £1.7 million
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If scoring goals was a problem for Newcastle United in the previous season, the addition of Slimani may help add some extra firing power up top. Known for his aerial ability, he could be the player to come in and help fill the void ever since Demba Ba made his move to Chelsea.
With two goals in three games during Algeria’s World Cup run, his scoring capabilities have already been showcased on the largest stage. He also managed eight goals in 26 matches for Sporting Lisbon and best of all, his value is still very reasonable. Alan Pardew should really consider the striker who was named Algeria’s Player of the Year in 2013.
Anthony Vanden Borre
Name: Anthony Vanden Borre
Age: 26 (October 24, 1987)
Club: Anderlecht
Position: Right Back
Nationality: Belgium
Estimated Value: £1.7 million
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Alan Pardew may need to begin preparing for life without first choice right back Mathieu Debunchy and that is where Vanden Borre can step in. The right back is very tricky when carrying the ball forward and can provide quite a powerful shot.
His World Cup was cut short after breaking his ankle in the match against South Korea but his passionate personality and willingness to succeed has always been a great motivator during his career. His additional to the squad could give Alan Pardew another quality right back to fill the likely to be vacant role.
Steven Defour
Name: Steven Defour
Age: 26 (April 15, 1988)
Club: FC Porto
Position: Central Midfield
Nationality: Belgium
Estimated Value: £6.1 million
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Defour is a player who can step in and control the ball in the middle of the park and also provide the killer ball to the more attacking players. Apart from his ability to get forward and create chances for his team mates, he also joins the defenders to make important challenges before his opponents reach the team’s defensive line.
Alan Pardew will still be searching for a player than can replace Yohan Cabaye in central midfield and with a highly probable price tag; Newcastle should really consider acquiring his services. He also won Belgium’s Golden Shoe back in 2007 as the club hope for him to replicate his earlier performance.
Lee Chung-yong
Name: Lee Chung-Yong
Age: 26 (July 2, 1988)
Club: Bolten Wanderers
Position: Right midfield / right winger
Nationality: South Korea
Estimated Value: £.3.5 million
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With Bolten being relegated, Newcastle have the ability to reinforce the club with players who are very likely to want to return to football in the English Premier League. He can serve as a tricky winger who has the ability to take players on with his neat footwork and can also provide the key passes to the more attacking players.
He was a regular feature throughout Bolton’s season, scoring three goals and providing six assist. Apart from his attacking aspect, he is also quite quick, meaning that he can always race back to help out with defending. With his side being relegated, his value could drop as well, so if Alan Pardew wants to make a reasonable purchase, acquiring his services could be a positive investment.