Newcastle United started Mohamed Diame in a central midfield role in their last match, but they have more options after the international break.
Rafael Benitez has told the Sunderland Echo that he felt Mohamed Diame put in an impressive performance in Newcastle United’s last match against Birmingham City.
Diame played 90 minutes for Newcastle, as they picked up a 0-0 draw against Birmingham in their last fixture.
The Senegalese international started in a slightly deeper role for the Magpies at St.Andrews, but competition for places in that position is set to increase.
Newcastle are likely to welcome back both Jonjo Shelvey and Isaac Hayden after the international break.
And Benitez admits that he has a dilemma to make over keeping Diame in his starting line-up.
“I thought he was fine,” said the Spaniard. “We knew it could be a difficult game because they have three players in the middle and we had to manage that. But I thought Mo gave us some fresh legs.
“He was fine, he was passing the ball and also regaining some balls that we lost.”
Although Benitez still has a decision to make, Newcastle fans seem to have made their minds up on Diame already.
The former Hull man has endured a difficult first season at St. James’ Park, where he has failed to show his best form.
And many Newcastle fans seem to have written his chances of succeeding on Tyneside off, with most hoping Shelvey starts in their next outing.
Newcastle’s next match after the international break comes against Wigan Athletic.
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