DeAndre Yedlin and Vurnon Anita have been battling it out to be the number one right back at Newcastle United.
Newcastle United defender DeAndre Yedlin has told the club’s official website that he is loving the competition between himself and fellow right back Vurnon Anita.
The pair have been constantly swapping places in Rafael Benitez’s starting line up, with the American starting in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Preston North End.
At 23-years-old, Yedlin still has a lot to learn in the game, which is why he is enjoying working with the Dutchman.
Yoann Barbet of Brentford (L) and Deandre Yedlin of Newcastle United in action
“You’re battling for a place in the team against a guy like Vurnon with so much experience, and I’m trying to learn as much as I can from him, so I’m sure that we’ll keep switching starts,” Yedlin told nufc.co.uk.
“He’s a guy that I’ve already learned a lot from, so I’m very pleased to be able to work with him on a day-in, day-out basis.”
Having joined Newcastle in 2012, Anita has become one of the most experienced players on Tyneside, and has become a favourite of manager Benitez due to his versatility.
Bristol City’s Callum O’ Dowda in action with Newcastle United’s Vurnon Anita.
That versatility has seen him spend most of the season at right back, but he has strong competition from former Tottenham Hotspur man Yedlin, who has had a strong start to his career at Newcastle.
Learning from a player like Anita will help Yedlin massively, with the Dutch international one of the most technically sound players at the club due to his upbringing from Ajax.
The competition between the two is very healthy, and Benitez’s rotation policy means the two will continue to swap places throughout the long Championship season.
Newcastle’s DeAndre Yedlin celebrates with team mates after Aston Villa’s Tommy Elphick scored an own goal and their first
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