Newcastle’s reported interest in Kenedy could lead to new role for Paul Dummett

Follow us on Google Discover

Paul Dummett is fit again for Newcastle, but one January transfer could see the left back lining up in the middle of defence.

Paul Dummett returned to the Newcastle United first team on Wednesday, playing 90 minutes in a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City.

And, despite featuring for the first time since the opening weekend of the Premier League season, the Wales international impressed against the runaway league leaders.

The way Dummett lined up in Rafa Benitez’s system was particularly interesting, with the nominal left back positioned in a back three while Javier Manquillo worked the flank.

Dummett has played in the centre of defence previously and he could well have a future there, particularly against the top sides.

So this change of role for Dummett suddenly makes clear the reasons for Newcastle’s continued interest in signing Kenedy on loan from Chelsea – reported by the Evening Standard.

Kenedy has spent much of his career playing as a winger – a position where the Magpies have a wealth of options – but he can also operate as a wing back.

Manquillo has struggled at times since joining Newcastle and would prefer to play on the right, meaning Kenedy would be an ideal candidate to line up on the left with Dummett taking up an inside position.

Dummett could continue to feature on the left of a back four, with Kenedy used further up the pitch, but the Brazilian’s arrival would give Newcastle greater freedom to adopt an alternative formation.