BBC commentator claims surprise NUFC player had his “best game for the club” vs Hibernian

Joelinton may have stolen the show after bagging his first goal for the club in our 3-1 win over Hibernian, but BBC Newcastle’s John Anderson picked out a surprise player for special praise – Javier Manquillo.

The former NUFC defender is often hard to please, but the Irishman claimed that Manquillo had his “best game for the club” at Easter Road on Tuesday night.

He praised his contribution at both ends of the pitch and claimed he didn’t put a foot wrong, with him defending well and playing a big part in Joelinton’s goal with this inch-perfect cross:

Joelinton’s first goal for the club ⚫️⚪️ #NUFC pic.twitter.com/UOhFxmQppI
— ToonArmy.com (@toonarmy_com) July 30, 2019

Anderson wasn’t the only one to praise the 25-year-old Spaniard either, with the Mail’s Craig Hope, the Chronicle’s Lee Ryder and the Echo’s Paul Fraser also being full of praise for the former Liverpool full-back:

FT: Hibs 1 NUFC 3 – Plenty of positives for Bruce – Joelinton & Manquillo chief among them. But concern over Ritchie injury & perhaps confidence of Almiron, who missed a couple of sitters.
— Craig Hope (@CraigHope_DM) July 30, 2019

Manquillo has won another corner, he's looked very good tonight #nufc
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) July 30, 2019

Three more subs for #NUFC, so only goalkeeper Woodman hasn't come on tonight. The last round has seen Sterry, M Longstaff and Fernandez all come on. Manquillo one to go off, and he has done very well down the right hand side. 1-3
— Paul Fraser (@paulfraserecho) July 30, 2019

Here’s what Newcastle fans who were at the game also had to say about Manquillo on social media:

“Manquillo first choice right back for me. Class yesterday and also was when he played last season.”
“Don’t see the hate for Manquillo, or at least recently. He was excellent yesterday, been solid throughout pre season and the end of last season. 100% ahead of Yedlin”
“Manquillo has a decent cross on him and his positioning is far better than Yedlin”
“Joelinton was unbelievable. Shelley dictating the play, Manquillo impressed, Longstaff good as always and on another day Almiron could have had like 4 or 5 goals. He played very well.”
“Unpopular opinion but Manquillo gets way too much stick, and suits the RWB position and isn’t actually a bad player when in that role.”
“Joelinton looks quality, how good was Shelvey and Manquillo!“
“Manquillo playing really well tonight, even better to keep him in the squad”
“Good game, only Hibs. Lots of positives. Manquillo turned into dani Alves. Joelinton looks good.”
“Manquillo has been very surprising to me since he’s been playing right wing back, he’s been quality in my opinion”

We still need another right-back option for me, but with Yedlin injured and a liability defensively, it’s good to see Manquillo stepping up in his absence.