DeAndre Yedlin joined Newcastle United last summer.
United States manager Bruce Arena has told The Washington Post that full-back DeAndre Yedlin needs to improve mentally.
The Newcastle United defender made his first international appearance under Arena as the States were held to a 1-1 draw with Venezuela on the weekend.
Yedlin, a summer signing from Tottenham Hotspur last summer, enjoyed a fine first season at Newcastle, making 27 Championship appearances – 26 from the start – as the Magpies won promotion back to the Premier League, and the second-tier league title itself.
It seems like a wise choice by the jet-heeled defender to join United and although the 65-year-old acknowledges that he has improved, Arena still feels that Yedlin could be a little bit stronger upstairs.
“He’s an improved player,” he said to The Washington Post. “He’s still a young player. He’s got a way to go, but athletically he’s very good.
“Now he has to learn to be a player who just doesn’t count on the fact that he’s fast. He’s got to be a little better mentally on the field. His year at Newcastle has been good for him.”
It remains to be seen how big of a role Yedlin will play in the club’s return to the Premier League next term.
Speculation has mounted that Benitez is keen to link up with former Arsenal and Manchester City right-back Bacary Sagna during the summer.
The France international is out of contract with the Etihad club this month and Newcastle, according to The Star, are among those keen on swooping.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
