OPINION
Newcastle United midfielder Mohamed Diame hasn’t been a consistent starter recently, but manager Rafael Benitez must play him from the start against Southampton on Saturday.
Ki Sung-yueng has tended to get the nod over both Diame and Shelvey since starlet Sean Longstaff went down injured earlier this year. However, Diame is much better suited to this particular match-up.
The South Korean did alright against Leicester City last time out, but he was nothing special. In fact, his passing was a bit all over the place as he struggled to influence proceedings.
The 6ft Diame is a physical presence [Source: Transfermarkt], that’s what he’s in the team for. He can win the ball back and then bomb forward with it at pace. Against a Saints side who flood the midfield, Ki’s safety-first approach simply won’t cut it.
When Newcastle get the ball they need to use it quickly and use it well. Diame is excellent at winning the ball and then starting an attack. He’ll be able to quickly get the ball to one of the Magpies’ front three or to barrel forward himself.
Ki, for all his quality, can be too passive at times. Diame, while more erratic, takes the chances that will be necessary to break the visitors down at St James’ Park.
As mentioned, Saints manager Ralph Hasenhuttl tends to field plenty of midfielders in an attempt to win the battle in the middle of the park. Diame’s relentless work rate and defensive ability will be needed before the game’s over on Saturday.
You could also make an argument for Jonjo Shelvey to get the start, but that ship appears to have sailed. Benitez, for whatever reason, simply doesn’t seem to fancy him.
So with it likely coming down to Ki or Diame in the race to start alongside Isaac Hayden, it’s the latter who must get the nod on this occasion. He’ll ensure Newcastle pack a serious punch on Saturday.
