Can Newcastle United’s Florian Lejeune prove point to Manchester City

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Manchester City let Florian Lejeune leave before he’d even played a Premier League game – but he’s finally making his mark in England with Newcastle.

It seems a little churlish, a little overly Garth Crooks, to point out that Manchester City’s 7-2 demolition of Stoke City on Saturday had its drawbacks. Namely, the number two in the goals against column.

While City delivered a masterclass in attacking football, The Potters once again exposed a weakness in the league leader’s backline that could become problematic against better opposition. Mame Biram Diouf’s first-half strike was far too easy while Kyle Walker’s own goal, which briefly made the scoreline a nervy 3-2, was just careless.

Considering that injuries have struck again, inevitably, for Vincent Kompany and the unwanted Eliaquim Mangala remains at The Etihad, a lack of depth in the centre of defence could also become a concern.

You wonder, then, if Pep Guardiola’s free-flowing side will end up regretting letting go of a player who did not even make a single appearance in the famous light blue.

Finally making his mark

Manchester City signed Florian Lejuene in August of 2015 before immediately loaning the centre-half back their Spanish sister club Girona. A year later, Lejeune joined Eibar and, after proving his worth in La Liga, secured an £8.7 million move to the Premier League with Newcastle United, per The Guardian.

And though Lejuene will be blamed for giving away a needless spot kick which gifted Southampton, and Manolo Gabbiadini, a second goal in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at St Mary’s, one error should not overshadow an otherwise impressive performance.

The 26-year-old made only his second top flight appearance in Newcastle colours after suffering ligament damage in the opening day defeat to Tottenham. Partnering Jamaal Lascelles, it looked as if Lejeune had been playing in the Premier League for years.

The Spaniard made eight clearances and, if it wasn’t for a well-placed Steven Davis, would have made amends for giving away the penalty with a late header at the other end.

Lejeune looks like the sort of durable defender that City could do with as a back-up option. Fortunately for him, first-team football beckons with Newcastle instead.