Newcastle ace DeAndre Yedlin has admitted he held initial concerns about moving to Tyneside from Tottenham Hotspur in 2016 due to the fact he had represented the Magpies’ arch-rivals Sunderland.
The American international spent the 2015/16 campaign on-loan at Wearside, making 23 Premier League appearances for the Black Cats, but Sunderland hesitated on making a switch permanent, allowing Newcastle to seal his services for £5m.
However, speaking to The Sun, Yedlin has revealed he was concerned about the move due to his spell at Newcastle’s rivals but elected to make the decision based on his career.
“The rivalry was definitely in my mind: ‘Is it the right thing to do?’ But I had to be selfish and think about what’s best for my career. Looking back, it was a great step for me. Obviously the chance to work with Rafa, there’s not really a better situation I could be in.”
Benitez’s leadership has certainly had a positive effect on the 24-year-old during the past two seasons and the Seattle Sounders youth product has praised the Spaniard highly.
“He’s great. He takes his time with you. One on ones, he’ll stay out after training for another hour if you need it. He’s been one of the best managers I’ve had. I’m playing in the Premier League, week in, week out and as a kid you never really think you’ll be doing that.”
“I think I’m one of three Americans in the Premier League, so it’s an honour to represent your country like that.”
Capped 50 times by the United States, Yedlin has a long career ahead of him at international level and will be gutted to miss out on the World Cup this summer.
