Newcastles injury situation has been talked about enough lately, and none of it has felt good. But there has been something positive to come out of the plight the squad faces – Tino Livramento.
When he joined in the summer from Southampton, it was widely assumed he would be used to rest Trippier in cup games and ease the burden on the 33 year old. However, thanks to a seemingly never ending injury list, Tino has found game time in more than just the cups.
Long term injuries to Burn, who after falling on his back broke 3 bones and Targett’s hamstring injury, Newcastle found themselves without a Left Back.
Up steps young Tino. After two MOTM performances in the League Cup against Manchester City on his home debut and Manchester United away, Tino has found himself covering the Left Back role and making a real case for it be his going forward.
A different player to Trippier in the way they play, with Tino preferring to go past players with pace rather than a pass, not only do Newcastle have great Right Back to cover and one day replace Trippier, but seemingly also solid player on the other side.
After a Cruciate Ligament Tear in 2022 for Southampton and a total of 52 games missed, no one knew how he would be when back up to full speed. Tino prior to the injury was highly rated, with several top clubs looking to bring him in, including Chelsea toying with the idea of triggering a buy back clause.
It’s safe to say, even out of position, you wouldn’t know the young defender had sidelined for almost a full calendar year.
With Burn now returning, albeit maybe too soon, there’s a real argument that Tino should be keeping his starting spot at Left Back. While Burn is a solid defender, his hight and ability to tuck in as a Centre back give Newcastle options tactically, it’s not a stretch to say Tino has outplayed and out performed Burn both defensively and in the attacks.
With Targett not coming back anytime soon and Trippier now with a groin injury and a dip in form, Howe needs to trust in the former Chelsea youth player of the year and make him a regular starter in the side.
I know it’s easy to get overly excited over young prospects in the side, especially when they put solid performances in quickly, but I’m going to go out on a limb and say Tino will be in the England squad soon with Walker and Trippier aging and James perpetually injured, and he could well become one of the best fullbacks the club has seen in modern times
