With Paul Dummett out injured, it was up to Kenedy to play left-back against Leicester.
Newcastle’s horrific start to the season continued, and Brazilian Kenedy once again struggled in black and white.
News of Dummett’s injury broke on Friday afternoon, but seeing the Chelsea loanee start in his place was a shock.
It was widely expected by fans that Javi Manquillo would be the one to start at left-back, but Rafa Benitez surprised fans with his decision.
Kenedy doesn’t benefit anyone at left-back
Sadly, it was a decision that did not work.
While Kenedy has played at left-back before for Chelsea, it’s a bit easier when you play for a team who dominates so much that you can basically forget about your defensive responsibilities.
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That’s not how it works at Newcastle.
The 22-year-old looked suspect defensively, and was unable to actually get up the pitch and support Christian Atsu.
Kenedy was unable to overlap, meaning his best attributes were nowhere to be seen. We’ve seen what he’s capable of, but he didn’t get the chance to showcase it on Saturday.
Then on top of that, he gifted Leicester the corner that allowed Harry Maguire to make it 2-0 and kill the game off.
Kenedy has looked far from his best this season, but he wasn’t in a position to be at his best this weekend.
While options are limited, Benitez must think again about putting Kenedy in at left-back. When he does play there, we look weaker going forward, and much more suspect at the back.
Manquillo might not be the most competent around either, but surely the Spaniard is a better option. At least that way it would allow Kenedy to play further up the pitch.