By Andrew Campbell
The clock is ticking on this summer’s transfer window and still we appear to be woefully short in one area in particular – at left-back.
With Paul Dummett our only senior player in this position, we are only a serious injury or a suspension away from being left in a real mess – something Rafa’s clearly been trying to avoid all summer, with him big on bringing in cover to up the levels of competition.
DeAndre Yedlin and Paul Dummett will start the season as the full backs, but we have only Javier Manquillo and youngster Jamie Sterry as cover – two players we simply cannot be relying on at this level.
We had a few ‘options’ in these areas last season, but with Jesus Gamez, Chancel Mbemba and Massaidio Haidara all leaving and Achraf Lazaar nowhere to be seen, we are threadbare.
We have been heavily linked with a move for PSG’s left back Stanley N’Soki, but it’s a real worry that with just over 48 hours left to do business, we’re still yet to secure a signing in such a priority position.
If we fail to get anyone ‘over the line’, we’re asking for trouble. An injury to Paul Dummett would not only mean one less centre-back option to fill in for the crocked Florian Lejeune, but the return of Javier Manquillo to the side – a right-footed defender who looked so uncomfortable down the left-hand side last season, having poor defensive instincts and constantly wanting to cut in on his right foot when going forward.
We NEED a left-back..
Manquillo no use at LB and Gamez, Haidara and Mbemba (three players who played here at times last season) have all left.
Dummett does a great job, but it's about time he had some competition – especially after he's looked so poor over pre-season. #nufc
— Black&WhiteBarmy (@BlackWhiteBarmy) August 7, 2018
The Chronicle stated today that Rafa would still like a left-back, a centre-back, a number 10 AND a striker, but at this stage I’m just hoping we get some much needed cover for Paul Dummett – a player who’s looked out of sorts over pre-season and someone who really does need competition to help him kick on.
