It is often overlooked how Paul Gascoigne - arguably the most talented English footballer of all time - was produced in this region. Newcastle United have failed to produce an academy of elite calibre since a chubby, cheeky Dunston lad burst onto the scene in 1985.
Oh, how the Magpies could have done with a creative force of Gazza’s ilk in midfield last season. Despite a remarkable turnaround from January onwards, Newcastle were still - at times - lacklustre in the final third.
United finished 18th in the Premier League for the most "big chances created" in 2021-12, averaging a fraction over one per game. Relegated sides Watford and Burnley managed more - highlighting Newcastle's need for an injection of creativity.
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Astonishingly, while on their impressive run earlier this year, the Magpies failed to score from open play in 548 minutes - over nine hours - of football. Set-pieces were a major factor in Newcastle steering clear of the relegation zone.
James Maddison’s potential arrival could hold the key to loosening Newcastle up in the final third. ChronicleLive understands a second offer - in the region of £50million - has been tabled for the Leicester City star.
Ironically, former Toon wonderkid Gascoigne backed Maddison as his England successor in 2019. Speaking at an event in Glasgow, the Newcastle and Three Lions legend was asked which current English player gets him on the edge of his seat.
“I don't know what these coaches are doing to our young players coming through,” Gazza said in 2019. “I really don't, because we don't have many players like Maddison coming through.
“He wants to be on the ball, he is creative, he takes people on. I've seen him do that often for Leicester when I've been watching games.
“There are too many robots, definitely, because there is so much pressure on players and managers not to lose the game – they're frightened to lose.
“I always say keep trying things and, eventually, it will work out. But they're afraid to try. 'They just miss that something creative in the middle, the willingness to have a go at someone. Just have a go.”
With 18 goals and 12 assists in all competitions last season, Maddison possesses the credentials to get the Toon frontline firing. Callum Wilson, the Magpies’ attacking focal point who missed most of last season, will be licking his lips at the prospect of playing alongside the Leicester talisman.
Gascoigne was 21 when he left Tyneside to seek pastures new in the capital - meaning his best football was not played in a black-and-white shirt. At 25, Maddison’s most certainly would be should he join the Saudi-backed revolution at St James’ Park.
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