DeAndre Yedlin has become one of the first names on Newcastle’s team sheet.
Newcastle United defender DeAndre Yedlin has told NBC Sports that the dramatic improvement in his form is due to manager Rafa Benitez’s guidance in understanding the game.
Yedlin, 24, struggled to hold down a regular place in Newcastle’s Championship-winning side last season, making only 27 Championship appearances as he fought with Vurnon Anita for a slot at right-back.
But the USA international has now made his place on the right side of defence his own this season, missing only four Premier League games all season which came at the beginning of the campaign – a hamstring problem ruled him out.
The former Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland defender believes his increase in form is down to Benitez, as well as an increase in maturity and experience which will have come from being the Toon’s first-choice right-back.
“It is based on what the coach likes and prefers but I think defensively I’ve just gotten a better understanding of when to go, when to stay, how aggressive to be and realising what is around me,” Yedlin said.
“It’s the whole understanding of the game which has become better and that comes with maturity and experience.”
Yedlin is expected to start once again on Saturday afternoon as the Toon travel to the south coast to face Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, as Newcastle look to build on their incredible 1-0 win over Manchester United.
Benitez will be hoping his side can exact revenge on Bournemouth after Steve Cook’s injury-time header saw the Cherries earn a 1-0 win over Newcastle at St. James’ Park in November.
Islam Slimani and Ciaran Clark are expected to return to the side ahead of the fixture, while Spaniard Jesus Games remains a long-term absentee on the Toon sidelines.
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