Steve Bruce names NUFC’s “best player” vs Crystal Palace – & it’s not Miguel Almiron..

When Javier Manquillo cleaned out his pockets last night, he’ll need to let Wilfred Zaha go back to London. What a performance it was from him once again!

Despite Almiron’s heroics and Dubravka’s string of key saves, Steve Bruce stated after the match that the in-form Spaniard was the our ‘best player’ during yesterday’s win over Palace.

Here’s what the NUFC boss had to say about the 25-year-old after the game:

“I thought Manquillo was our best player today against arguably one of the best wide players in Europe in Zaha.

“Yedlin has been fit and so has Kraft but how can I leave him out the team?

“He’s performing fantastically. Well done him!”

The revitalised right-back went toe to toe with Zaha for the majority of the match today and kept him very quiet, being quick into the tackle, tenacious and being on him like a rash whenever he picked up the ball.

He’s one of the most explosive wingers in Europe and an incredible dribbler but really had no chance to make an impact on the game, with Manquillo in his face the whole match.

It’s easy to say this now, but I’ve always rated him. He was our best player pre-season and played well at the beginning of the year under Rafa Benitez, so it was surprising to see him left out so much this season.

Credit to him for coming in for the injured Yedlin a couple of weeks ago and well and truly taking his chance.

He’s been a revelation this season and has looked a completely different player. Steve Bruce has no choice but to keep him in the team – and Mike Ashley surely has no choice but to hand him a new deal?!

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3 thoughts on “Steve Bruce names NUFC’s “best player” vs Crystal Palace – & it’s not Miguel Almiron..

  1. The synic in me says he is playing for a move or a new contract, where has this been for the past few years.
    No one doubted his ability, what was doubted was his application of that ability.
    Maybe Brucie is the catalyst eh!

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  2. BillyTheFish:
    The synic in me says he is playing for a move or a new contract, where has this been for the past few years.
    No one doubted his ability, what was doubted was his application of that ability.
    Maybe Brucie is the catalyst eh!

    Billy – I think under Bruce he sees a chance of regular football.

    Credit to Bruce to saying this about Manquillo yesterday coz it would have been easy to blow the smoke up Almiron – or take credit for sticking with Almiron (I think Pardew would have).

    I agree with Bruce. I think Manq has been outstanding in recent weeks, and shouldn’t just be dropped coz the others are fit again. That must be so demoralising for a player, and why would you put the effort in knowing you will be out regardless.

    We’d be mad to sell him on current form, coz Kraft certainly hasn’t settled in yet and Yedlin is hit & miss imo.

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  3. I expect him to leave on a free or for 3 to 5 million in January. I hope he gets offered a contract similar to that of krafth, he certainly looks a better option than the ponderous swede but Ashley has form in letting players go. On the positive side he is 25 and has a little sell on value due to the last 5 games. I hope for his sake the poor ****** isn’t played left side again, he always looks lost on the left.

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