Many Newcastle United supporters on social media reacted in a somewhat negative manner to the news that defender Achraf Lazaar was returning to action.
The Chronicle reported that after being missing in action since July the 26-year-old left-back was set to feature for the club’s reserves against Fulham on Monday evening.
The newspaper stated that Lazaar had been handed the No.57 shirt for the season and could be a possible option for Rafa Benitez as he is currently short of left-backs with Paul Dummet nursing a hamstring injury.
One Magpies supporter tweeted that the defender couldn’t possibly do worse than Kenedy at left-back after the Brazilian’s display on Saturday while another tweeted that it was like a new signing.
Nothing But Newcastle has rounded up some of the best tweets:
The fact that we can’t get rid of this waster speaks volumes about the state the club is in
— TheRiotAct (@TheRiotAct9) October 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/nufcne29/status/1046704117652107264
Only because Rafa has had to do it due to injuries and lack of investment in the club
— Anthony I'Anson (@AnthonyIAnson) October 1, 2018
Couldn't possibly do any worse than Kenedy at left back if Dummett is out for an extended period of time. Looked like he had never played football before on Saturday…
— Toon Stew (@toonarmyblog) October 1, 2018
Like a new signing!
— Ian (@wheatley1405) October 1, 2018
Who… and what comeback? He’s never got started in the 3 years he’s been here…
— Chris Cossey (@Cosseycj) October 1, 2018
https://twitter.com/Robobriain/status/1046706130200784896
OPINION
You have to believe that the Magpies supporters who stated it was like a new signing having Lazaar return to action, were making that comment tongue in cheek. Then again as one other fan tweeted Benitez could do with a left-back to call upon as with Dummett out injured, it’s clear the manager is struggling for a good option to play. While Kenedy played at left-back on Saturday against Leicester City, he wasn’t exactly amazing by any stretch of the imagination. In fact while the player, who is usually deployed as a winger, shows signs that he had talent, it’s clear he is not suited to play as a defender. While a couple of Magpies fans did react negatively to the news that the frozen-out Lazaar has been brought in for the cold, they won’t moan if he takes the opportunity. It’s true that the left-back has struggled anytime he has pulled on a Magpies shirt but maybe he is ready to buck that trend before it’s too late.
