Newcastle United have had a bit of a centre-back crisis in recent weeks.
Isaac Hayden had to play at the back against Southampton – a game where Fabian Schar sustained what could be a season-ending injury.
Jamaal Lascelles and Federico Fernandez have also struggled for fitness, forcing Steve Bruce to change his defence week after week.
All the while, a former Newcastle centre-back is thriving on the European stage.
Porto picked up a huge win in the Champions League last night, beating Juventus 2-1 in the first leg of their knockout tie.
The Turin giants’ side included one of the best players of all time in Cristiano Ronaldo, but he was unable to influence proceedings.
But who was he up against? None other than Chancel Mbemba.
‘He never gives the ball away’
When Newcastle signed Mbemba back in 2015, he was clearly one for the future.
Playing alongside the experienced Fabricio Coloccini, it seemed like a great pairing.
We saw flashes of brilliance from the Congolese defender, but his debut season ended in relegation.
He was calm and composed in possession, but didn’t really possess the physical attributes needed in the Premier League. A bit like Coloccini when he first arrived…
Rafa Benitez’s arrival was the beginning of the end for Mbemba. He didn’t feature too much in the Championship, and was then sold to Porto in the summer of 2018 for just £7million.
His departure was met by fury from some fans, who believed Mbemba had the potential to be a top defender.
Fast forward nearly three years, and he’s just helped Porto beat a Ronaldo-led Juventus side.
After a slow start in Portugal, Mbemba is becoming more and more influential.
While Newcastle struggle to keep defenders fit, a man they sold is competing in Europe’s elite competition.
The 26-year-old isn’t the only player thriving away from St James’ Park – Adam Armstrong and Ivan Toney continue to score for fun in the Championship.
Mbemba joins a long list of players let go by Newcastle in recent years who are now proving the Magpies wrong.
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