Newcastle continue to work on a deal for Swedish international right-back Emil Krafth, with the Northern Echo claiming they are confident of finalising it, which could see a dilemma at the position ahead of the new season.
No doubt Krafth would be a good signing for the club, and if he arrives, he is likely to become the first choice starter at a position that has often been a problem in the past.
But pre-season has seen an upturn in the form of Javier Manquillo, who has put in some stellar performances, and even youngster Jamie Sterry has looked a capable back-up option.
Add to that a return to fitness for DeAndre Yedlin, who started training again this week after a troubling groin injury, and suddenly Steve Bruce could have a wealth of options to choose from.
Having depth at right-back is long overdue at Newcastle
It will be a welcome headache for the head coach, and with questions often remaining over Yedlin’s defensive attributes, as well as Manquillo’s overall ability as a Premier League defender, this season could see a good competition for the right-back slot.
Of course, players often look good in pre-season, but fail to transfer that form to competitive games, as the intensity ramps up, but were he to do so, Manquillo could provide a better full-back option than Yedlin.
But if Bruce sticks to his three centre-back formation, then arguably Yedlin would be the better wing-back, with his pace going forward being more of a danger than the Spaniard’s.
Should Krafth arrive, however, they could both be trying to challenge the Swede for a starting berth.
But the extra competition for a place would help the side, with three players vying for one spot meaning every one of them has to bring their A-game at all times.
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