Sky Sports released their latest round of Power Rankings, and the result of Newcastle’s top performer suggests Steve Bruce has a real dilemma on his hands.
Despite no Newcastle players making it into the Premier League top 50, Jetro Willems is listed as Newcastle’s top ranked player, and not for the first time this season either.
It highlights the form the Dutch loanee has been showing, with the player’s performances seeming to get better each time he plays.
With Matt Ritchie raring to return, Bruce will have a big decision to make at the left wing-back slot, as he ponders which of the two to leave out.
Ritchie has been a revelation since he was switched into the role by Rafa Benitez, and his brilliant form, along with his leadership qualities, have always seen him as one of the automatic starters when available.
But whether that will be the case this time, remains to be seen, with Willems staking a real claim to be first choice.
On current form it would be difficult to drop Willems
It would be extremely harsh to drop Willems after his consistent displays, but Newcastle do miss Ritchie’s combative style, as well as his constant talking.
Of course, one solution would be to play Willems as an orthodox left-back in a traditional back four, and play Ritchie ahead of him, thus incorporating both players in his starting lineup.
If he sticks to his tried and tested formation, however, it will mean one of the two left-sided stars is set to be disappointed.
Merely down to the fact that WIllems has barely put a foot wrong since assuming the role, Ritchie should have to settle for a place on the bench while he waits for his opportunity.
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