Newcastle United’s victory on Saturday featured an exceptional showing from the defender.
Newcastle United and manager Rafa Benitez have themselves in a fantastic position after Saturday’s match at Leicester, with three points arriving thanks to a total team performance. Several players were significant contributors, including one defender that appears to be at the top of his game.
Paul Dummett enjoyed a fine outing against the Foxes this weekend, as his work at the back was crucial throughout the match. The 26-year-old was consistently in the right position to help stop the home side’s attack, and his tackling was impressive in key moments.
One particular sequence was a turning point in the game, and showcases the high level of confidence that the left-back is currently playing with for the Toon.
Dummett with a perfectly timed slide to stop Mahrez (39')! Shouts for a penalty, but they play on. #NUFC #LEINEW
— Newcastle Toons (@NewcastleToons) April 7, 2018
Leicester’s Riyad Mahrez found space up the right side late in the first half, and was making his move towards goal searching for the equaliser just before the break.
As Dummett closed in, a slide tackle cleared out the danger. Upon first glance, Newcastle fans were certainly nervous about the possibility of a penalty being awarded.
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However, referee Stuart Atwell saw Mahrez on his way down already, and replays confirmed his decision. Dummett timed this sequence just right, and that control has been a major asset for the Magpies during this current three-match winning streak.
Great defensive work from both Dummett and Kenedy to clear out an opportunity (52'). #NUFC #LEINEW
— Newcastle Toons (@NewcastleToons) April 7, 2018
Working well with team-mates
On top of this fantastic solo work, Dummett is also communicating with his team-mates and combining well in clearing out scoring opportunities for the opposition.
Along with captain Jamaal Lascelles, Florian Lejeune and DeAndre Yedlin, United’s back-line has become as reliable as any unit in the Premier League. The Toon Army know that they will get maximum effort, and that is one of the reasons that Dummett was signed to a new contract this year.
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Newcastle United and Rafa Benitez want the best out of their defenders. They are getting all that and more from academy product Paul Dummett.