OPINION
It has been a bit of a rough start to the season for Newcastle United’s right wing backs. However, Sunday’s victory over Manchester United may have eased the situation.
Emil Krafth has been an unmitigated disaster since his summer transfer from Amiens and, for whatever reason, head coach Steve Bruce doesn’t seem to fancy Javier Manquillo.
It certainly seems, though, that United States of America international DeAndre Yedlin now has a stranglehold on the starting spot after helping steal the show against the Red Devils.
The 26-year-old was absolutely crucial as the Magpies claimed a vital 1-0 win at St James’ Park, and with neither Krafth nor Manquillo impressing up till now, Yedlin must be considered Bruce’s number one right wing back.
The former Tottenham Hotspur man, on a reported £30,000-per-week at the club [Source: Spotrac], gave Newcastle a bit of extra attacking impetus, which they had very much been missing so far this season. Furthermore, he produced a few key defensive challenges, as well.
It’s that latter category, where Yedlin hasn’t always flourished, which gives him the edge over Messrs Krafth and Manquillo. Neither of that duo have looked entirely solid at the back so far this term.
Yedlin, though, excelled on Saturday. As per WhoScored.com, Yedlin completed a tackle, an interception and three clearances at St James’. He was ferocious in dealing with the threat of United’s rapid winger Daniel James, and didn’t give the Welshman a sniff.
With that said, it’s very difficult to see how Krafth or Manquillo come back into the side moving forward. No, this is Yedlin’s position to lose now.
