There was some concern when it was confirmed Emil Krafth was set for a spell in the Newcastle United starting XI.
The 1-0 win over Aston Villa in February came at a price. First we lost Javi Manquillo to injury, then the biggest blow came when Kieran Trippier limped off.
The first January signing had became a talisman for Newcastle, and his trademark free-kicks were already taking the Toon by storm.
But Newcastle lost their first and second choice right-backs to injury in the same game, meaning a big chance was going to be made to the Magpies defence.
Eddie Howe had to call upon Krafth for the trip to West Ham – a decision that had some fans worrying. The Sweden international is not the most popular player at the club, signed by Steve Bruce for £5million in 2019.
But he deserves huge credit for his recent form.
Emil Krafth proves the Newcastle doubters wrong
Krafth had a tough job against West Ham. Michail Antonio constantly peeled off onto his side of the pitch, and many players know what a handful the Hammers forward is.
The Newcastle right-back managed though, even if it was his foul that led to West Ham’s goal in the 1-1 draw.
He retained his place in the starting XI against Brentford – a routine 2-0 win following Josh Dasilva’s early red card. While he was rarely tested, Krafth once again performed well enough for Howe not to drop him against Brighton.
And it was his performance against the Seagulls that was the pick of the bunch. Brighton really targeted Krafth. Graham Potter’s side constantly got bodies down their left flank, with Marc Cucurella pushing forwards at every opportunity.
The Spaniard was Brighton’s best player on Saturday, but Krafth did an exceptional job to nullify the former Barcelona man.
The Toon 27-year-old was excellent. He made key blocks and challenges, as Newcastle put in a backs to the wall performance to grind out another win.
He’s been heavily criticised in the past by Toon fans, but Krafth has massively delivered over the past few weeks.
Manquillo is back and waiting on the bench, but the fact Howe has kept faith in Krafth shows how well he has done.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
