Newcastle United positional breakdown: Defenders

After opening our Newcastle United roster breakdown with the goalkeepers, we take a look at the back line that protects them.

Newcastle United’s back line has a couple of new faces added to the already sturdy group. They were tied for the least amount of goals allowed in the Sky Bet Championship last season. Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark were a strong tandem in central defense for much of the season before Lascelles’ play dipped due to his groin injury.

DeAndre Yedlin and Paul Dummett primarily handled the outside back duties. Yedlin had a breakout year and Dummett was consistent. This summer, Newcastle added Florian Lejeune from Eibar and Javier Manquillo from Atletico Madrid, after spending last season on loan with Sunderland.

On The Roster:

Center Backs: Ciaran Clark, Grant Hanley, Jamaal Lascelles, Florian Lejeune,Chancel Mbemba,

Full Backs: Paul Dummett, Jesus Gamez, Massadio Haidara, Achraf Lazaar, Javier Manquillo, Jamie Sterry, DeAndre Yedlin

Analysis

Carson Merk: Center back Florian Lejeune has looked like an elite signing this preseason, but is that enough to supplant either of last year’s starters Ciaran Clark or Jamaal Lascelles? Clark impressed in his first season Tyneside. Lascelles was the skipper last season, but it doesn’t seem like he is 100% recovered from groin surgery. Grant Hanley seems set to leave for a Championship club and Chancel Mbemba actually saw more time at full back this preseason.

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On the outside, it seems Javi Manquillo will start in place of the injured DeAndre Yedlin. When the American speedster is back, he should re-assume his first choice position after a great season last year. At left back, Paul Dummett will get the lion-share of the minutes. He hasn’t looked top class this summer, but he’s usually a consistent performer. Jesus Gamez and Mbemba could provide depth, but don’t be surprised if the club adds another before the window closes.

Haidara and Lazaar don’t factor into Rafa’s plans and Jamie Sterry will likely go back out on loan.

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Roy Emanuel: Florian Lejeune has certainly impressed since arriving at St. James’ Park this summer. He has looked composed and his positioning excellent, transitioning well to his new setting thus far. The key will be who starts alongside him. And at this point, it is difficult not to choose Ciaran Clark.

Injuries have affected Lascelles, inconsistent playing time has plagued Mbmeba and poor showings in friendlies from Hanley all add up to the decision.

For full-backs, Dummett and Yedlin are set to once again control wide spaces. However, the aforementioned knock for Yedlin places a strong spotlight on new signing Javier Manquillo. Hopefully the American right-back will not miss too much time and will be able to return to the line-up quickly.

Haidara is expected to be sold, while Gamez and Lazaar provide depth.

Projected Starters

CM: Dummett, Lejeune, Clark and Manquillo until Yedlin’s healthy.

RE: Dummett, Clark, Lejeune, Yedlin.