It wasn’t to be for Newcastle United at Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday night.
After beating Manchester United and Arsenal in the space of just a few days, their trip to Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday night looked like one game too far for Eddie Howe’s squad, one decimated by a raft of injuries.
While Joelinton could well have levelled the scores on the night when Newcastle were trailing by just the one goal, they rarely convinced going forward otherwise.
Still, there was one big positive.
Indeed, even despite the injuries, Tino Livramento impressed once again.
Hailed as Newcastle’s “best player” by Glenn Hoddle on TNT Sports commentary duty, Howe was effusive in his praise of the defender after the game.
Tino Livramento: Eddie Howe verdict
Speaking to BBC Radio Newcastle after the game, Howe said: “He played really well again.
“Played really well on the right side, played really well on the left side, so that’s great to see. His versatility and his athleticism I thought was one of the standouts for us.”
Newcastle team news: Livramento must start
With Dan Burn facing months out of action, Livramento is surely getting to the point where he must be considered a regular starter.
Howe has already confirmed moving Kieran Trippier over to left-back is an option and there is little doubting the former Chelsea youngster’s potential.
Excellent in a variety of roles on Tuesday ranging from right-wing to right-back and then left-back, that versatility feels absolutely crucial during an injury crisis.
If Tuesday night gave us anything, it is more excitement about Livramento.
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