Newcastle United got back up and running this week.
After an underwhelming start to the season, Newcastle claimed what is surely their best result yet by beating Chelsea 2-0 in the Carabao Cup.
Eddie Howe’s side got their revenge after the 2-1 Premier League loss on Sunday and booked their spot in the quarter-finals, where they will entertain Brentford at home in December.
It was a statement performance from Newcastle. Blues boss Enzo Maresca may have made sweeping changes but still boasted a very strong team, while Howe also rotated.
One of the players who came into the fold was defender Emil Krafth, who once again put in a massive shift at right-back.
Speaking about the Sweden star, the Newcastle United manager was full of praise.
Eddie Howe names the Newcastle player people seriously underrate
Asked about Krafth, Howe revealed that his “Krafthu” nickname actually came from people within the Newcastle set-up, such are his performances when called upon and in training too.
He went on to suggest people outside the club underrate the defender, though everyone at Newcastle value his qualities.
“The Krafthu nickname originates from some of the players in the squad – maybe one of the coaches too!” he said (via Andy Sixsmith on X).
“He’s just such an unassuming brilliant professional. So dependable. When you meet him, you like him. He’s a very underrated player in the outside world. Internally we see his qualities.”
Emil Krafth could be set for a major change at Newcastle soon
Krafth has tough competition for places at right back, with Tino Livramento now seemingly ahead of Kieran Trippier in what looks a packed pecking order.
However, such is his quality, Howe has previously suggested the 30-year-old could soon be set for a new role.
Having impressed in central defence at times, Howe believes the player could one day move into that position full-time.
Krafth is perhaps not the most fashionable name in the world but dependable players who can fill in when needed are vitally important too.
After a tough start to life at Newcastle, things have changed for the former Amiens man.
It’s fantastic to see.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
