OPINION
When Newcastle United left-back Paul Dummett was made unavailable for the clash against Burnley on Monday, there is no doubt that Rafa Benitez would have been sweating at the thought of who would replace him.
Many names were thrown into the mix – for example Javier Manquillo, Kenedy and Achraf Lazaar – but it was Matt Ritchie who was given the privilege of getting into the side by filling in as a left wing back.
Ciaran Clark – Dummett’s replacement in the side – put in an impressive display in the back three at the heart of defence – and now Benitez has a even stronger selection headache on his hands for the next fixture against West Ham this weekend.
Clark has not really been in the running for a place at centre-back due to the brilliance of Federico Fernandez and Fabian Schar, but he has certainly made a strong case to remain there after this performance.
Having a back five was a surprise move by Benitez, but he has proved that it is a tactic that works and there is no reason why he cannot continue to use it.
Yes, fans would have undoubtedly missed the presence of Dummett on the pitch, but he will certainly be sweating after seeing his Ritchie deliver such a composed, assured display that would have stunned many of the Toon Army.
His place in the first team is most definitely not guaranteed following this win now that Ritchie has thrown another dilemma into the ring, but one thing is for sure, it can only be a welcome one.
It has been known that Benitez has been seeking out a new left-back in the January transfer window, but he may save some pennies now that Ritchie has taken up the responsibility superbly after he dealt admirably well with the pace of Aaron Lennon along the left flank.
All in all, Dummett now has a reason to be sweating profusely, as Ritchie looked rather impressive.
