As revealed by The Chronicle’s Chris Waugh, Premier League managers have been seen to ‘actively target’ DeAndre Yedlin when facing Newcastle in recent weeks – with Man Utd’s Mourinho and Watford’s Javi Gracia spotted urging their players to get at the American.
We all know Rafa still wants a new, more attack minded, left back to challenge Paul Dummett but the lack of competition for Yedlin also needs addressing. Manquillo has proved he isn’t up to the task unfortunately and this lack of depth could hamper us this season.
Here is a snippet from Waugh on how Yedlin is becoming our weak link opposition managers are targeting:
“There is no doubt that DeAndre Yedlin is having a tough time of things at the moment.
“Opposition managers have been actively targeting the American’s flank, knowing that Yedlin’s defensive positioning is suspect.
“Jose Mourinho could be seen screaming at his Manchester United players to run into the space vacated by Yedlin at Old Trafford last month, while Javi Gracia’s Watford repeatedly attacked down Newcastle’s right last weekend.”
I think we could question whether the blame also lies with Ritchie (who’s looked pretty tired and leggy of late), but Yedlin’s positioning is poor. He lacks defensive instincts and often relies on his pace and athleticism to recover.
Does he need added competition in that area? I’d say yes. Even when Yedlin’s playing poorly, he never seems to be at risk of being dropped, with Manquillo and Sterry pretty uninspiring back up options.
However, with funding always far too tight from Mike Ashley you get the feeling despite us needing improving at right back, there are other positions that will be prioritised first – IF we spend any money in January.
Do you think Yedlin is our weak link?
