Despite a superb start to life on Tyneside Steve Bruce is now undergoing a reality check after overseeing back to back defeats in Newcastle United’s previous two Premier League fixtures. To address that slide against Leicester City, the Magpies must stay resolute in defence but still offer some threat going forwards against the side in second place.
One area of the pitch Bruce needs to nail down his selection for is right back, so far this season both Javier Manquillo and DeAndre Yedlin have made ten appearances, but neither has claimed the spot for their own.
Immediately, at least in terms of defence, it seems evident that Manquilo is the most dependable option. The Spaniard has been involved in three clean sheets this season relative to the American’s one, though the same number of goals have been conceded, ten, regardless of who has been starting.
Manquillo has made five more tackles and with a greater success rate, along with more recoveries, interceptions and clearances. All defensive measures suggest he offers a more significant presence in defence to nullify opponents, but that has not translated in effecting the number of goals Newcastle have conceded with him in the side.
Meanwhile, it would be presumed the more attacking Yedlin would have provided a more significant attacking influence, though he is yet to register an assist this season, he does have a singular goal to his name. The American has also played double the number of key passes compared to Manquillo, but only the Spaniard has an assist to his name.
Each player has been equally assured in possession though, averaging around 17 passes with approximately 72 per cent pass accuracy. Overall there is very little to split the two right-backs, Bruce would not be wrong to go with either, but with the Foxes coming to visit Manquillo may be the safer option.
Premier League top scorer Jamie Vardy was rested after Boxing Day and should be back to terrorise the Newcastle defence. The Magpies need the most robust presence they have for that fixture, and Manquillo tops his American teammate.
