With Newcastle currently in a state of flux, the St James’ Park outfit is expected to look considerably different next season to its current form.
While John Carver has fought admirably in an interim period as the club’s manager, it is widely expected that a new man will take the reins ahead of next season.
The playing squad is expected to be changed up too, with a recruitment drive to add quality in lacking areas and some of the deadwood cut out.
However, despite the importance of investment in the first-team squad on Tyneside, arguably the most crucial factor in Newcastle progressing next term is keeping the club’s best performers.
The likes of Tim Krul, Ayoze Perez and Moussa Sissoko have all been linked with switches away from the North East, with this trio important members of the current crop. That said, arguably this season’s most consistent and impressive performer has been another star rumoured to have suitors elsewhere, Daryl Janmaat.
Following Mathieu Debuchy’s sale to Arsenal in the summer, the Netherlands international was acquired from Feyenoord in a canny piece of business.
Debuchy was an important player for the Toon, but the Frenchman has not been missed in the slightest as Janmaat has come in and actually acted as an upgrade to his predecessor at right-back.
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An accomplished defender with good positional sense and a tenacious tackler, few opposition wingers have got the better of the Dutchman this term, despite the summer signing finding himself isolated on an alarming number of occasions.
Debuchy’s ability to get forward and offer an attacking threat down the right flank was also a feature of Newcastle’s play, but Janmaat has nullified any potential failing in this area too. The 25-year-old has provided six assists in the Premier League this season - the most of any defender in the division after Leighton Baines, with his crossing and delivery second to none.
He has also been an ever-present in the side, starting all 30 of Newcastle’s league games this season and showing the attitude of a model professional. Janmaat’s versatility was also on display in the club’s most recent fixture against Arsenal, with the Holland international playing at centre-half due to injuries to other players.
He by no means looked out of his depth against one of English football’s most devastating attacking outfits, again showing his worth to Newcastle. There is little wonder that Louis van Gaal included Janmaat in his World Cup squad and trusted him in games on the biggest stage.
With plenty of Premier League sides, including Van Gaal’s Manchester United, thought to be looking for right-back options this summer, Newcastle have a job on their hands to keep their prize asset at St James’ Park.
Selling Janmaat for a significant profit would be a continuation of the club’s recent malaise, with the likes of Debuchy and Yohan Cabaye cashed-in on.
However, if Mike Ashley and the club want to turn a corner and improve on the pitch, keeping a star performer such as Janmaat is imperative.
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