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2017-18 Newcastle United player review: DeAndre Yedlin

By Carson A Merk

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MARCH 31: DeAndre Yedlin of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Huddersfield Town at St. James Park on March 31, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - MARCH 31: DeAndre Yedlin of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Huddersfield Town at St. James Park on March 31, 2018 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Tony Marshall/Getty Images) /
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The American defender had a quality season for Newcastle United.

After overcoming a preseason injury, DeAndre Yedlin was impressive in his second campaign with Newcastle United.

2017-18 stats: 34 appearances, two assists, and five yellow cards

Contract runs until: June 2021

Durim Halimi

DeAndre Yedlin’s positive form last season has secured his role as a starter for the next campaign. Yedlin properly utilized his pace and strength to obstruct the opposition and to build counter-attacks from the back. Yedlin is young and is yet to reach his prime. This serves Newcastle well as his best years are still ahead of him.

2018-19 outlook: Surefire starter

Carson A. Merk

I’ve watched DeAndre Yedlin since his days at the University of Akron and the first thing you have to mention has always been pace. While he still has blazing speed, Yedlin is starting to use his soccer IQ and skills more often. His pace is a game changer, but his improving defensive discipline is making him a legit Premier League defender. The American right-back will be locked in at that position again this season.

2018-19 outlook: Surefire starter

Declan Ryan

Still only 24 years old, Yedlin has benefited massively from Benitez’s influence in his two years at the club. The US international is lightning fast and is a constant threat bombing down the right flank, but there have always been question marks over his defensive ability as a right back starting in the Premier League. With over 50 international appearances and over 60 for Newcastle, last season saw Yedlin under Benitez’s tutelage mature into far more of a complete defender. Regardless of occasional lapses in concentration, he appears to be much more assured in the tackle and has made some key defensive plays for Newcastle. Only 2 assists is a little disappointing for a player so dangerous going forward, but there’s been nothing but constant improvement for Yedlin in a Newcastle shirt, and expect that to continue next season.

2018-19 outlook: Surefire starter