While reported Newcastle United target Javier Manquillo struggled previously in the Premier League, so did a number of current St James’ Park stars.
The report claims the Atletico Madrid full-back is on the verge of a move to St James’ Park, with a three-year deal mooted as Rafa Benitez steps up his recruitment drive.
And with the player failing to establish himself at Liverpool and then suffering relegation with Sunderland, either side of a spell with Marseille, Newcastle fans could understandably feel underwhelmed by the signing of Manquillo.
But that has been a familiar feeling for Magpies supporters since Benitez’s arrival in March 2016.
Last summer, he recruited DeAndre Yedlin, after an indifferent season at Sunderland, and Ciaran Clark, who had struggled at Aston Villa. Inconsistent pair Jamaal Lascelles and Paul Dummett were also handed leadership roles.
Fans may have worried at the time, but Benitez’s coaching expertise quickly came to the fore and that quartet became a solid unit.
Indeed, Newcastle lost just once in 16 games when they lined up as a four last season, contributing to the joint-best defence in the Championship.
And there is no reason Benitez could not encourage similar improvement from Manquillo. He offers versatility – able to play on either side – and the discipline enforced by the former Liverpool boss could yet hand his compatriot a Premier League career.
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