Javier Manquillo followed up scoring his first goal for Newcastle United with an impressive defensive display which helped his side earn a 1-1 draw against Leeds United last week.
Unlike the weekend before where the Spaniard’s efforts didn’t result in the Magpies coming away from Old Trafford with any points, his performance against Leeds helped his team double their Premier League points tally for the season.
Coming up against speed demon Daniel James, the 27-year-old had to be at his best to contain the Welshman, otherwise it could have been a torrid evening for the former Liverpool man at St. James’ Park.
The full-back was making back-to-back starts in the top-flight for the first time in eight months (Transfermarkt).
Manquillo impresses for Newcastle
Playing against the speedy James meant that Manquillo had to keep space the winger could run into down to a premium, but he also had to time his tackles to perfection or risk getting a booking, which would have meant he was an ill-timed challenge away from a red card.
Manquillo’s performance was made all the more impressive given the fact that he didn’t make one foul all evening (WhoScored).
Due to Manquillo nullifying the threat of James, Marcelo Bielsa hooked his £25m signing (BBC Sport) on the hour mark for Tyler Roberts.
Manquillo was replaced by Emil Krafth with only 10 minutes remaining in what was a really positive evening for the former Spain Under-21 international.
The right-back made seven tackles against Leeds, which was more than any another player on the pitch, he also made five clearances.
In fact, the only player that made more tackles than Manquillo over the course of the fifth Premier League gameweek was Crystal Palace’s left-back Tyrick Mitchell (8), who was up against Mohammed Salah.
Next up for Manquillo is Watford and he could be up against Emmanuel Dennis, who has already scored twice in the opening five games for the Hornets.
But after his last two displays, Manquillo’s confidence will be soaring and he will fancy his chances of producing another defensive masterclass at the weekend.
Allan Saint-Maximin was superb for Newcastle against Leeds and is deservedly getting all the plaudits, but let’s also give Manquillo some credit.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
