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Right-back has emerged as an interesting battle at Newcastle United

By Carson A Merk

NORWICH, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Jamal Lewis of Norwich takes hte ball past Emil Krafth of Newcastle during the Premier League match between Norwich City and Newcastle United at Carrow Road on August 17, 2019 in Norwich, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
NORWICH, ENGLAND - AUGUST 17: Jamal Lewis of Norwich takes hte ball past Emil Krafth of Newcastle during the Premier League match between Norwich City and Newcastle United at Carrow Road on August 17, 2019 in Norwich, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images) /
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When everyone is fit, there could be three qualified players vying for the starting right-back spot for Newcastle United.

For most of the time since he arrived on Tyneside, DeAndre Yedlin has been the first choice right-back for Newcastle United. The previous two seasons, Javier Manquillo has provided depth and competition to the position, but he really only played when Yedlin was hurt. This summer, the Magpies added Emil Krafth, a Swedish national team player, to the mix. Once Yedlin has returned to full fitness, it will be interesting to see how this battle shakes out for the top spot.

As I mentioned, the right-back spot has belonged almost entirely to Yedlin when healthy. He is reportedly back at training now after groin surgery ended his last season. The international break will serve him well, but he is still likely not too close to full fitness. We know what he brings when healthy, PACE. He is an inconsistent crosser and gets turned around sometimes on the defensive end, but his speed is an equalizer for some of those mistakes and it’s a rare quality. Last season was definitely not his best year and he will need to make a good first impression with Steve Bruce.

Primarily Yedlin’s backup, Manquillo had a positive second season with NUFC last year and has done well when given the chance early this campaign. He doesn’t have Yedlin’s pace, but he is a better crosser of the ball and may have better dribbling ability.

It is too early to fully evaluate Krafth, but he has not been good in early Premier League action. He looked dismal vs. Norwich City and still less than average against Watford. Obviously as a national team player, he has the pedigree, but he will need to adjust quicker to the English top flight.

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My hope is that Manquillo steps in for Krafth for at least the next match or so because he looked really good off the bench vs. Watford and that would allow Krafth to sit back and watch the action and learn that way. When Yedlin comes back, I fully expect him to get a chance to take over, but I think this will be Krafth’s job for most of the season.