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Newcastle United: Javier Manquillo proving doubters wrong

By Graeme Bell

MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 26: Javier Manquillo (L) of Atletico de Madrid competes for the ball with Jose Ignacio Martinez alias Nacho (R) of Rayo Vallecano de Madrid during the La Liga match between Rayo Vallecano de Madrid and Club Atletico de Madrid at Estadio de Vallecas on January 26, 2014 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)
MADRID, SPAIN - JANUARY 26: Javier Manquillo (L) of Atletico de Madrid competes for the ball with Jose Ignacio Martinez alias Nacho (R) of Rayo Vallecano de Madrid during the La Liga match between Rayo Vallecano de Madrid and Club Atletico de Madrid at Estadio de Vallecas on January 26, 2014 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images) /
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Why the former Atletico Madrid defender is ready to make an impact.

There were a lot of eyebrows raised when Newcastle signed Javier Manquillo last month. The full-back can operate as a left-back and right-back, and it is clear that Rafael Benitez likes to have some versatility in his squad.

Already we are seeing just how important the signing of Manquillo is. With DeAndre Yedlin out injured, Manquillo has shown that he is good enough to take his place. The defender has already put in some eye-catching displays during pre-season and will want to take his form into the new campaign, starting with Spurs on Sunday.

Manquillo provided an assist for Ayoze Perez during Newcastle’s win against Hellas Verona on Sunday. The Spaniard looks calm and composed on the ball, while costing in the region of £5 million he looks to be a real bargain in this market.

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Especially when taking into consideration the inflated fees, with Kyle Walker moving from Spurs to Manchester City for an outrageous £50 million.

Fans may have been underwhelmed by the signing of the full-back, however, he has already silenced some of his critics.

When DeAndre Yedlin returns from injury, he will find it hard to regain his place. The good thing about Manquillo is, he not only provides stiff competition for Yedlin but also for Paul Dummett.

The Wales international hasn’t had any real competition at left-back for some time, and finally he now has some.

Competition for places is important in any side, it’s something Newcastle haven’t had for quite a while. Having competition for places pushes the players to constantly look to improve and work harder.

The battle for a starting position at right-back last season between Yedlin and Vurnon Anita showed the benefits of having this competition.

Manquillo received a similar reaction to the likes of Daryl Murphy, Ciaran Clark and DeAndre Yedlin. All proved Newcastle fans wrong last season, with some outstanding displays and professionalism.

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I get the impression that Manquillo is determined to be a success at Newcastle United, having had a number of loan spells, he is ready to settle in one place. Rafael Benitez can certainly get the best out of the full-back this season.