OPINION
For Newcastle United right back DeAndre Yedlin this has been a tough season. His form has dipped and not even a formation alteration from manager Rafael Benitez has arrested his slide.
His struggles very much continued against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday night. The United States of America international was arguably the worst player on the pitch in his team’s 1-1 draw as he found himself torn to shreds by the home side’s attack.
It makes you wonder, then, why Javier Manquillo seems to be no closer to claiming a starting spot. He came off the bench on Monday and did a decent job, but there’s still no sense that he’ll be replacing Yedlin any time soon.
Why is that? Yes, he disappointed early in his Magpies tenure, but every time he has played this campaign he has looked pretty decent. The same cannot be said for Yedlin, though. The Spaniard, on the other hand, has made real strides this term, including solid showings when out of position at left back.
After yet another horror show from the American the case for Manquillo starting is now without doubt. Given how bad Yedlin has been the former Atletico Madrid man surely deserves a shot.
He is just 24 years of age, after all. There’s still time for him to improve in the coming years. However, he’s not going to do that if Benitez continues to ignore him.
Yedlin was dreadful on Monday, truly dreadful. He gave the ball away with regularity and was very much lacking in his defensive duties. He didn’t close players down quickly enough and he was beaten far too easily.
He is an accident waiting to happen at the moment. However, Benitez can avoid calamity by starting Manquillo moving forward. Again, he deserves a chance to state his case.
After yet another disappointing display from the former Tottenham Hotspur man it’s imperative that Manquillo be given a chance. He’s earned that much, at least.
