Toon boss Steve Bruce has hailed the performance of Javier Manquillo following his sides 2-2 draw with Manchester City on Saturday.
Manquillo had played just 200 minutes in the Premier League so far this season, with it reported only last week that he could leave in January after being deemed surplus to requirements by the club.
However, the Spaniard replaced the injured DeAndre Yedlin for the clash with the CHampions on Saturday – and his solid performance didn’t go unnoticed by Bruce.
“He was terrific – fair play to him. He’s found himself, in the last few weeks, not involved.
“But, I thought, against Raheem Sterling, his pace, his attitude and defensive work was probably right.
“It was a big call because Emil (Krafth) is chomping at the bit. But I just think Manquillo’s experience certainly showed.”
Manquillo’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season, but I said in a piece last week that his versatility could prove a deciding factor in whether any potential contract talks occur.
He’s only 25 and, when he features, it feels like he’s arguably playing as well as he has during his time on Tyneside.
If he can continue to take his chances when they come, keeping the likes of Man City’s Raheem Sterling quiet on Saturday, then who knows – maybe he will be handed a new deal after all.
I like Maquillo deserves a new comtract doesnt often put a foot wrong and is switched on when needs to be, still young and will get better, sign him up
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