Why Daryl Janmaat Is a Good Fit at Newcastle United

Newcastle United have moved quickly to counteract Mathieu Debuchy’s imminent move to Arsenal, and in Daryl Janmaat, the Magpies are set to land the ideal replacement. 

Debuchy’s switch to the capital is already done and dusted, according to the Daily Mail’s Simon Jones, and all that remains is official confirmation from Arsene Wenger and Co. 

But far from brooding over the Frenchman’s departure, the Toon’s hierarchy have moved quickly this week and are set to go Dutch with the right-back’s successor.

Fresh from starring for the Netherlands at this summer’s World Cup, Daryl Janmaat is poised to put pen-to-paper at St. James’ Park, with a long-term deal set to be announced.

News of the deal was reported on Tuesday lunchtime, with Mark Douglas posting footage of the former Heerenveen man being driven out of the club’s training ground via ChronicleLive.

And with the £5 million transfer due to be rubber-stamped before the squad fly out to New Zealand at the end of this week, Newcastle’s timing could not have been better.

An attacking full-back who began his career at Feyenoord before re-joining them in 2012, Janmaat’s style is well suited to the hurly-burly nature of the Premier League.

Performances for his country in Brazil highlighted his obvious attacking instincts, but in a defensive capacity, the Leidschendam-born star looked formidable.

Used primarily as a wing-back by international boss Louis van Gaal, Janmaat made four appearances in South America, including in the semi-final clash with Argentina.

When directly compared to Debuchy at the tournament, he won just as many tackles, made more interceptions, created five more chances and chipped in with two assists.

And in an interview with Lee Ryder at the Evening Chronicle, Will Burns from the TotalDutchFootball.com website was adamant that Janmaat will be a suitable replacement. He said:

Toon fans will notice instantly that he is a similar player.

The 24-year-old always has the desire to surge forward, and will look to overlap the winger or cut inside to look to play the best ball possible. However, unlike most forward thinking full-backs, Janmaat can cover well in defence. 

He is physically strong, so he should cope well with the hustle and bustle of the Premier League. Last season he created 36 chances for Feyenoord, in which five of them became assists and as well as notching twice in 40 appearances.

Stats courtesy of HITC Sport