Player Focus: Townsend's Big Money Move a Risk for Newcastle

“Emotional…” a one word Tweet by Andros Townsend on Tuesday showing him departing Hotspur Way for the final time effectively confirmed his switch to Newcastle, 24 hours before the club announced the deal. The England international had been expected to depart Tottenham for pastures new before the close of the transfer window, but it brings to an end a lengthy spell at the club and, as such, it was always going invoke emotions from the player and fans. 

When he was finally presented with his chance to stake a claim for a regular starting spot for Spurs two-and-a-half years ago, Townsend broke onto the scene with such vigour that many at the club felt they had in the ranks the natural successor to Gareth Bale, who was on the brink of securing his big-money switch to Real Madrid. The youngster would start on the right flank, before cutting in and going for goal with his left. 

It was an approach not too dissimilar to Arjen Robben and while the Dutchman remains a difficult player to stop, Townsend drew more groans of frustration rather gasps of excitement. You see, while Robben possesses the ability to hit the back of the net, Townsend was more prone to finding row Z. The 24-year-old has scored just three goals from 77 shots in the Premier League since the beginning of the 2013/14 season. 

Factor in his loan spell with QPR, and of those to score five or more Premier League goals in the last four seasons, and only Adel Taarabt (3.6%) has a worse conversion rate than Townsend (4.4%). Having failed to register a competitive minute since the end of October, Spurs’ decision to cash in on Townsend came as little shock, particularly with Erik Lamela, Heung-mon Son, Nacer Chadli and young Josh Onomah ahead of him in the pecking order.  

With Euro 2016 on the horizon, the wideman is hoping regular competitive action will thrust him back into the thoughts of England manager Roy Hodgson. Townsend has impressed on his 10 England caps, netting three goals. Regular action for Newcastle will ensure he remains firmly in the national team manager's plans. 

Naturally, though, this depends on how he fares in his new surroundings. The Newcastle board have backed manager Steve McClaren to the hilt this month, with the acquisition of Townsend following the signings of midfield pair Henri Saivet and Jonjo Shelvey for an outlay just shy of £30m. Arguably, though, Townsend’s arrival presents perhaps the biggest risk. 

Granted, he will inject pace and directness on the flanks, a commodity Newcastle are somewhat short in despite the players at McClaren’s disposal. Of players to make 20 or more appearances in the last three Premier League seasons, only five are completing a dribble more frequently than Townsend (one every 23.7 minutes). On his day, he’s tough to stop, of that there is no question. However, his day doesn’t come around nearly regularly enough. 

While a spark of creativity will go a long way to improving Newcastle’s fortunes in their quest to stave off relegation, it’s Townsend ability when required to bring others into play that leaves a lot to be desired. An average of 15.5 accurate passes per game is indeed a poor return and shows that Townsend is one who favours taking on the opposition defence rather than helping retain possession, a tunnel-visioned approach that can be a hindrance rather than a help. 

If Newcastle are attacking and pushing men forward and Townsend is robbed of possession, this only increase the pressure on a defence that is anything but watertight having shipped 41 league goals already this season. Indeed, it’s a problem that may well occur more often than not, with Townsend being dispossessed once every 32.9 minutes in the last three Premier League seasons. 

While it’s not Townsend’s style to adopt a ball retention approach - this would perhaps be a waste of his talents - but that he often looks to take teams on by himself rather place faith in his teammates is a concern. While this has the potential to pay dividends, it’s a risk that could possibly result in attacks breaking down and allowing opponents to counter. 

It’s vital, therefore, that McClaren translate his ideas across from the get go if he is to bring out the best in Townsend between now and the end of the season. Newcastle have the attacking quality to stave off relegation, which has been boosted by Townsend’s arrival. However, the player must adhere to the demands of his manager if he is to be a success on Tyneside.

Will Andros Townsend be a success or have Newcastle overspent to secure his services? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below