When he was given a chance this season, Ciaran Clark stepped up for Newcastle United.
Continuing our reviews of each Newcastle United player this season, we take a look at central defender Ciaran Clark. After not seeing a lot of action early on, he established himself as a consistent player before an ankle injury shortly before the COVID-19 hiatus ended his season.
2019-20 EPL stats: 14 appearances, two goals, four clean sheets, zero errors leading to goals
Expert Breakdown
Durim Halimi: It is unfortunate that Ciaran Clark is so injury prone because he is one of the best defenders in the squad. Like Federico Fernandez, Clark is consistent when given the nod in the lineup and his confrontational style of defending makes life much easier for Martin Dubravka, who has been the busiest keeper in the Premier League this season.
The Irishman has also found ways to contribute offensively this season with key goals against West Ham and Bournemouth, both of which were wins for Newcastle United. Clark has, once again, proven that he can be a reliable starter for the Magpies, but he needs to stay fit. His confidence was on the rise this season, and it will be exciting to see what he can do next term.
Carson A. Merk: Looking at the depth at center-back to start the season, Clark would’ve been close to the bottom of the list. But, injuries allowed him to get some chances in the lineup.
He responded by being one of the more reliable defenders and also did some damage at the other end of the pitch. Clark headed in the opening goal in a win over West Ham United and scored the match-winner the next time out against Bournemouth.