Micky Quinn heaped praise on Newcastle United defender Paul Dummett and shared he wanted the 27-year-old to take Florian Lejeune’s spot in the team.
The former Magpies player shared how losing Lejeune to injury was a big blow for Rafa Benitez, but that while it was upsetting news regarding the centre-back it was an opportunity for another player to take.
Quinn shared that he wanted Dummett to take the Frenchman’s starting place in Benitez’s side as he has all attributes to be a good centre-back and deserves a run in the team in that position.
“It is a big blow for Rafa Benitez and Newcastle to lose Lejeune, as well,” wrote Quinn in his column for the Chronicle.
“He has been playing extremely well and he gives a dual ball-playing option in defence along with Fabian Schar.
“How Rafa replaces him will be interesting to see. He could revert to a flat back four, but personally I’d stick with the three-man defence which is serving them so well at St James’ Park.
“Paul Dummett deserves a run as a left-centre-back. I remember chatting with his dad a few years ago, and he suggested Dummett was a centre-back playing at left-back.
“He has all the attributes to succeed in that position, so let’s give him a try. Lejeune’s injury is upsetting and disappointing, but it presents opportunities to others as well.”
OPINION
Quinn is 100% spot-on across the board with his column on Lejeune. After the Magpies confirmed via their official website that the centre-back was out for the season, it was hard not to be sad for the player and the team. Lejeune worked so hard to get back from one serious knee injury only for fate to be cruel and for him to damage the ACL in his other knee. Upon returning to Benitez’s side this season the centre-back oozed class in his outings and it was easy to argue that he was the club’s best central defender. However the Magpies can’t afford to drop the ball just because they lost Lejeune to injury and Benitez needs to make sure he picks the right person to take his spot. Dummett on paper appears to be the ideal option for the manager to call upon. The 27-year-old has consistently delivered the goods in his 21 outings for the Magpies this season and if he can replicate similar form in a central position, then the Magpies will cope with Lejeune’s absence.
