2017-18 Newcastle United player review: Paul Dummett

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: Paul Dummett of Newcastle United looks on during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion at St. James Park on December 30, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 30: Paul Dummett of Newcastle United looks on during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Brighton and Hove Albion at St. James Park on December 30, 2017 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

After battling back from injury, Paul Dummett was a sneaky solid player for Newcastle United’s back line.

Paul Dummett’s season began with his picking up a serious hamstring injury against Spurs. Once he was able to find his way back to full fitness, he returned to being Newcastle United’s lockdown left back.

2017-18 stats: 20 appearances, 71% tackle success rate, five clean sheets

Contract runs until: June 2022

Roy Emanuel

Paul Dummett faced a challenging start to the term, with an injury in the opening match of the season resulting in a serious injury. However, once he returned the left-back showcased his importance. With effort and determination, Dummett helped to command his side of the pitch against talented opposition. He was rewarded with a contract extension during the campaign, and Rafa Benitez will likely want to keep him as a constant in the line-up.

2018-19 outlook: Surefire starter

Durim Halimi

After recovering from his injury, Paul Dummett has been the second-best defender for Newcastle. Dummett did well in consolidating his strength with quick pace on the wing all season. The Welshman was tasked with defending several speedsters and he successfully blocked their crosses and intercepted their passes. Overall, Dummett significantly contributed to Newcastle’s defensive stability by mitigating opposing threats from the wing.

2018-19 outlook: Surefire starter

Carson A. Merk

Paul Dummett is never going to be the most exciting player on the pitch for Newcastle United. However, he will often be one of the most consistent. With sneaky pace and solid strength, Dummett handles his own against some of the Premier League’s most dangerous players. Outside of his disastrous match against Watford a few weeks ago, Dummett does his job and often goes unnoticed. With a new contract in hand, he will be the Magpies’ left back for the next few years.

2018-19 outlook: Surefire starter

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Declan Ryan

Showing every ounce of desire and toughness the St. James Park crowd appreciate so audibly, Paul Dummett has really stepped up this season and is one of the first on the team sheet. His defensive work balances the attacking prowess of DeAndre Yedlin on the opposite flank, and he clearly has the trust of Rafa Benitez going forward. Provided he can stay healthy and consistent, there’s no reason to think Dummett won’t be Newcastle’s starting left back for the next few seasons.

2018-19 outlook: Surefire starter