Javier Manquillo can be an important asset for Newcastle

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Javier Manquillo was one of the important performers for Newcastle United last weekend as they picked up a huge win against Leeds United. The Spaniard came on in the 63rd minute for Paul Dummett, who had a challenge on his hands against Raphinha.

In those 27 minutes or so, Manquillo put in an excellent shift at Elland Road. Raphinha struggled to get the better of him and ended up switching wings in the end. Not only that, but the full-back also won the free-kick which was converted by Jonjo Shelvey.

The man brought in by Rafael Benitez back in 2017 drove forward down the left-hand side and won a free kick on the edge of the box.

There maybe more money to spend on players now, but Manquillo can still be an asset to Newcastle

Since the takeover occurred back in November, there has been non-stop chatter about new players that could arrive on Tyneside. With discussions of which players are and aren’t good enough, I believe that Manquillo still has a role to play for the Magpies.

With Kieran Trippier arriving earlier in the window and talks of Mitchel Bakker possibly coming to Tyneside, at first it seems that the Spaniard has no place at Newcastle.

However, of all the full-backs at the club, Manquillo is the most versatile. The 27-year-old can hold his own down either side of the pitch. He’s usually more comfortable at right-back, but his strong outing against Leeds saw him operate at left-back.

So, the ex-Liverpool and Atletico Madrid man could be more than a competent cover option. Some fans and myself are never worried when his name appears on the teamsheet.

When it comes to Manquillo, you know what you’re getting. Usually, he’ll give you a minimum of a 6/10 performance on the pitch and never seems to have an attitude. Furthermore, I can’t think of a time where he has been the worst player on the pitch in a match for the Magpies.

For me, there’s still a place for Manquillo in Newcastle’s future. It might not be consistently breaking into the starting XI, but he is a great option to have. He can play either right or left-back, making him a versatile option for the club.

Additionally, performances like the one against Leeds shows he can do his job effectively. There may be new faces to arrive in Tyneside in the future, but Manquillo is a face of the present who deserves to stick around.