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Newcastle United have a decision to make at left-back

By Carson A Merk

Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City is challenged by Jetro Willems of Newcastle United. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City is challenged by Jetro Willems of Newcastle United. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) /
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One of the main question marks entering the 2020/21 season for Newcastle United is who the starting left-back will be.

There are a lot of positions on the pitch for Newcastle United that could use an upgrade in personnel. But, there is one position that doesn’t even have a first-choice option at all.

At left-back this season, Newcastle relied on Jetro Willems and Danny Rose on loan, with the latter replacing the former after a season-ending injury. Javier Manquillo and Matt Ritchie also saw some time there. Now, Willems and Rose’s loans are done and there is a decision to be made.

Should the Magpies bring back one of those players? Willems was one of the club’s most consistent performers and had some high-quality plays going forward and combined well with Allan Saint-Maximin. Rose is a proven veteran in the Premier League and would be a steady option.

Or, will Newcastle United go with the youthful, higher potential route with a player like Rogerio? The 22-year-old Sassuolo left-back is rumored to be linked with Newcastle and he scored one goal and added an assist in Serie A this season. He has quality and wouldn’t break the bank, but he’s just the least experienced.

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In today’s age of soccer, you can’t have a Paul Dummett-type left-back that just patrols the back line. You need a player that can do that while also getting forward and helping in the attack. Any of the three options of Willems, Rose, and Rogerio would fit that description while Manquillo should stay at right-back and Ritchie on the wing.