Ever since he arrived, DeAndre Yedlin has been a consistent figure in Rafa Benitez’s side.
The American joined from Tottenham ahead of our season in the Championship, and he has been first-choice ever since.
Under the guidance of Benitez, Yedlin has improved immensely, but there are still clear flaws in his game.
Yedlin was exposed once again against West Ham
On Saturday, Yedlin was handed the tricky task of taking on Felipe Anderson. The Brazilian is West Ham’s record signing, and proved why.
Anderson got the better of Yedlin on pretty much every occasion, with his intelligence and strength too much for the Newcastle defender.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
As the game went on, the 25-year-old got more and more frustrated with the Hammers winger, either not tracking him at all or just resorting to kicking him.
It was the kind of performance we’ve got used to seeing from Yedlin, who more often than not bails himself out with his rapid pace. But without that pace, what else has he got?
Newcastle need another right-back
A lot has been made about Newcastle’s need for a left-back. Paul Dummett is unrivalled on the left side of defence, which has become an issue with the Wales international’s injury.
There have been calls for the Magpies to sign a left-back in January, but they should also be looking for a right-back.
Javier Manquillo is Yedlin’s deputy, and the Spaniard is never going to force him out of the starting XI.
The need for a left-back has masked our right-back worries, which were evident more than ever against West Ham.
