The Newcastle defender took his opportunity against West Bromwich Albion.
Left-back has undeniably been a problem position for Newcastle United this season, with Paul Dummett and Massadio Haidara having missed much of the campaign through injury.
Javi Manquillo, who is far more suited to playing on the right side of the defence, has frequently been asked to fill in at left-back for Newcastle, but the Spaniard has struggled and has frequently found himself tormented by opposing wingers.
The situation is starting to improve a little, with Dummett closing in on a return and Haidara back playing for Newcastle’s U23 side, but there is certainly another option for manager Rafael Benitez to consider.
Chancel Mbemba is mainly a centre-back, but the 23-year-old played several games at left-back for Newcastle earlier in the campaign and returned to the position for the 2-2 draw away to West Bromwich Albion this week.
Mbemba seized his opportunity at The Hawthorns as he produced a composed display and, on this evidence, the 23-year-old certainly appears to be a better option in that position that Manquillo.
Newcastle face a daunting task on Saturday when they take on Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, but their defence could be made a little more secure if Mbemba is persisted with at Manquillo’s expense.
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