OPINION
Newcastle United midfielder Mohamed Diame’s form has been disappointing to say the least this season and he continued along the same lines by submitting a woeful performance against Huddersfield Town.
The midfielder, who earns £45,000-a-week (Source: Spotrac), may be an expert at winning his tackles, unlike several other of Rafa Benitez’s midfield options, but that skill is rendered completely pointless when he is so careless in possession.
Diame consistently got in the right positions during the 1-0 win over the Terriers in order to rob his opponent of the ball, but as quickly as he won the ball, he lost it.
The midfielder’s passing was well below the standard he should be at and his decision making was bewildering at times especially when you consider how much top-flight experience he has.
Benitez has continued to stick by Diame this season, despite his form, but after 17 league appearances this season, it’s time for the Spanish manager to give someone else a try as the 31-year-old’s form continues to not be up to scratch.
While the Magpies boss doesn’t have a tremendous amount of defensive midfielders to try in Diame’s place, one that springs to mind is Isaac Hayden.
The 23-year-old may have been gutless in his four outings ahead of the trip to Huddersfield, with his performance against Arsenal shameful, but he should be a contender to replace the woeful Diame.
Hayden handed in a transfer request, as reported by the Daily Mirror, in the summer and will no doubt have one eye on the exit door once the January window opens.
Given that the winter window is nearly upon, Hayden will no doubt want to perform out of his skin in order to attract a club to come and get his services.
This means that the gutless midfielder may actually make himself an asset to Benitez’s side due to wanting to impress potential suitors.
Therefore this all means that even Hayden should be considered a contender to start against Fulham as that’s how bad Diame showed himself to be on Saturday.
