Newcastle right back DeAndre Yedlin believes the key difference in matches such as the one against Preston North End at the weekend, is the strength in depth the club has compared to many of the other sides in the Championship.
Talking to Newcastle’s official website, Yedlin said that if one player is out injured, another player of similar quality can step in and perform to a similar level:
“When one player is out, another one can step in and do a great job, and that’s what I think makes our team so strong, especially this year. The depth of our squad is unbelievable, and everybody’s fighting for a position. Also, everybody wants to win, so even if you’re not involved in the squad you’re still supporting the guy who’s playing your position, which I think you need in a successful team.”
While Yedlin has started the last two matches in place of Vurnon Anita, the key to the win over Preston at the weekend was striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Before the game at Deepdale, the Serbian had started just one league match but after top scorer Dwight Gayle was ruled out with a hamstring injury, the 22 year old stepped into the fray and scored two vital goals, demonstrating as Yedlin says the depth and quality that manager Rafa Benitez has at his disposal this season.
