OPINION
Javier Manquillo is not a name that strikes that much enthusiasm into Newcastle United fans, but at the moment, he could be their saving grace.
The Magpies fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Crystal Palace on Saturday, a goal which came from the penalty spot thanks to an error from right-back DeAndre Yedlin.
He was not the only full-back that did not have the greatest afternoon. Matt Ritchie was not at his best – he had some lively moments in the first half and managed to force a save from the Palace goalkeeper, but his contribution soon fizzled out into a rather powderpuff display.
This is why Rafa Benitez must unleash Manquillo against Leicester City on Friday. The possibility of starting Antonio Barreca will no doubt be out of the question seeing as he has only played four minutes of football since his arrival.
That being said, Manquillo has had an up and down season, but there have been times where he has surprised the fans with how he is able to cope with the pressure. Well, seeing as Newcastle need at least another win to be assured of Premier League safety, the pressure should be cranked up on Friday.
At the moment, the manager does not really have much choice. Yedlin has proved to be a liability after his error led to a penalty being conceded, whilst Ritchie’s contribution did not really amount to anything.
As for Paul Dummett, he may have to come in at centre-back once again if the injury to Florian Lejeune is serious, which leaves Kenedy, who was not even on the bench for Saturday’s fixture.
That just leaves Manquillo to start on Friday – the £35,000-a-week [Spotrac] player is not a favourite amongst the fans, but he could have the chance to prove them wrong against the Foxes.
