Newcastle told to complete signing of defender ‘just like Van Dijk’ after Telegraph update
Noel Whelan has insisted Newcastle must move for a “leader” in January in order to rectify their defensive problems.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Magpies should be targeting a centre-half “like Virgil van Dijk” who can “bring the best out of others”.
Newcastle have conceded the most goals in the Premier League this season with 19 – three more than basement club Norwich City.
According to the Telegraph (October 16th), the Tyneside club will have just £50million to spend in January despite being allowed to spend almost £200m by Financial Fair Play regulations.
Newcastle were boosted by the return of captain Jamaal Lascelles from injury yesterday against Tottenham – but he was powerless to prevent the London side from claiming a 3-2 victory.
Whelan claimed the signing of a defensive “leader” will be important for building a “winning spine” at the club as they look to avoid relegation.
“From what I watched against Tottenham, they still have those glaring defensive frailties,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“That’s what has let them down, they struggle to keep clean sheets.
“They have to find a leader at the back – if they can’t keep clean sheets, they will have to always score two or three to win a game.
“The problems will come at the back, the defenders they have are not good enough.
“They gave the ball away a lot at the back against Tottenham. If they can bring in someone similar to the likes of Virgil van Dijk or Antonio Rudiger who can improve the players next to them and bring the best out of others.
“That would be so important in building a winning spine of the team.”
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