Newcastle should accelerate Abde Ezzalzouli January deal, the data is really clear
Newcastle should reignite their interest in Real Betis winger Abde Ezzalzouli as he impresses in the early stages of La Liga's new campaign.
The Magpies' shortcomings out wide have been clear for all to see so far this season.
Harvey Barnes has impressed in Anthony Gordon's absence, yet the likes of Bazoumana Toure, Jacob Murphy and Anthony Elanga are yet to get going at the start of the campaign.
Newcastle were in the market for several wide players in the summer window, but only signed Toure, with Betis star Ezzalzouli a known target before injury put paid to him making a move.
The Morocco international missed the World Cup with a knee problem, but has returned to action in predictably impressive form at the start of this season.
Newcastle reportedly remain in the market for a new wide man ahead of the January window, with Ezzalzouli an obvious candidate to solve their attacking issues.
Abde Ezzalzouli could be exactly what Newcastle need out wide
Ezzalzouli registered 15 goals and 10 assists in 43 appearances across all competitions for Betis last season as they qualified for the Champions League in fifth place.
He was linked with Newcastle and Aston Villa following the end of the campaign, but suffered a knee problem in a pre-World Cup friendly to rule him out for around six weeks.
The 24-year-old has scored once in four La Liga matches so far this season, with a particularly standout showing in Betis' recent draw with Deportivo A Coruna.
Ezzalzouli had the most touches (8) in the opposition box of any player in Sunday's clash, while he also completed the most dribbles (4) compared to his teammates and opponents
He won six ground duels, drew a foul and created a big chance, and it comes as no surprise to see that he is already among the top wingers for chances and big chances created per 90 in La Liga so far this term.
The Moroccan ranks highly in several key metrics, like successful dribbles, touches in the opposition box, non-penalty xG and expected assists per 90.
He clearly has all the tools to be a real asset in the Premier League, and with The Athletic reporting that Newcastle will look to sign a new right winger in January, Ezzalzouli could be the ideal signing after their previous interest came to nothing.
The Chilean boss knows a lot about what makes a top player, and his latest quotes on the 24-year-old should encourage Newcastle to make a January move.
Speaking after his goal against Getafe last week, Pellegrini said: "It had been a long time, as Abde hadn’t been able to play regularly for nearly four months.
“That’s why we limited his playing time to no more than 70 minutes, and now he’s also set to join the Moroccan national team. He’s a very important player, who shows great power in his play and makes the difference for us.”