OPINION
For all the focus that has fallen on the left hand side of the Newcastle United defence this season, it is worth remembering that right back DeAndre Yedlin is in the midst of one of the worst campaigns of his career.
The United States of America international has improved in a wing back role of late, but he’s still not been good enough on the whole this term.
Perhaps, then, the Magpies should consider taking Southampton’s lead and making a move for young Danish right back Joakim Maehle. The Daily Mail reported on Tuesday that the Saints are ready to make a £10million move for the player.
That’s the sort of deal Rafael Benitez’s side should be looking at, because Yedlin has next to no competition at St James’ Park. Yes, Javier Manquillo still technically exists, but he is no one’s idea of a solution when things aren’t going well for the former Tottenham Hotspur man.
Maehle, on the other hand, will be able to put legitimate pressure on the 25-year-old and either drive him on to better performances or replace him in the team if he doesn’t improve.
At just 21 years of age Maehle is already a regular starter for a Europa League team in Genk, and has contributed seven assists from right back already this season. To put that in perspective, Yedlin has grabbed one.
It’s not all about going forward as a full back of course, as Yedlin well knows, and Maehle is pretty good at the dirty work as well. Considering that is one of the weakest areas of Yedlin’s game, Newcastle should see that as a huge positive.
Ultimately this is the sort of deal that the Magpies shouldn’t be allowing their Premier League rivals to get away with. They must challenge them for Maehle and upgrade what’s been a problem position this campaign.
