Valentino Lazaro made his first Premier League start in Sunday’s 4-0 defeat to Arsenal, as the visitors collapsed in the second period after a promising first half. However, the Austrian wing-back, who joined on loan from Inter Milan in January, made some alarming comments after the game which could make manager Steve Bruce question why he made the move for the 23-year-old.
When discussing playing at right-back, Lazaro said: “It’s a position I’ve played over the last maybe two years. I’m adjusting to that. You can see that I’m a winger, and my strengths are in attack. I’m trying to learn more and more defensively.” With Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron both fit it is unlikely the Austrian will feature regularly outside of the back five. Therefore, his comments may concern some fans if Lazaro feels he is being deployed out of his natural position along with being asked to defend while he is still learning the art.
His statistics in the Premier League so far tell a different story though when compared to DeAndre Yedlin, who has featured most regularly at right back in the top-flight for Newcastle this season, making 12 appearances. As per WhoScored, in his two appearances so far Lazaro, valued at £17.1m (Transfermarkt), has averaged two tackles per match, while the American has recorded 1.3 per 90 minutes. However, Yedlin has provided an average of 0.5 interceptions per games, while Lazaro is yet to reclaim possession by sniffing out a loose pass. However, Yedlin does commit fouls more frequently, 0.7 per 90 minutes, relative to Lazaro’s average of 0.5.
Newcastle United manager Bruce may be surprised with the comments the Austrian gave after the game, considering he has been deployed in the role for two seasons with two separate clubs. Via WhoScored, for Hertha Berlin last season Lazaro provided three goals and six assists, and he has registered three goals and two assists across club and country this term. While his attacking capabilities are obvious, Bruce has utilised advanced wing backs for the majority of this season, and it is likely that was the role the manager was expecting Lazaro to slot into. Given the Austrian’s comments post-game he may want to reconsider where the 23-year-old starts.
