DeAndre Yedlin has made just three starts for Newcastle United to date.
Rafael Benitez has told NUFCTV that he brought DeAndre Yedlin in to Newcastle United’s side to face Ipswich Town at the weekend as he felt Vurnon Anita needed a rest.
Anita has generally started for Newcastle so far this campaign, even though Yedlin had impressed when given an opportunity.
And, after a week where he had caught the eye in training, Benitez decided to give Yedlin his reward by starting him against Ipswich.
“We wanted to give him a chance because he was training well and we felt it was the time to rest Vurnon Anita,” Benitez said.
“He did well – it was important for us to have full-backs going forward and with his pace he was creating problems.”
Yedlin helped Newcastle collect a 3-0 win over Ipswich in the fixture, and his pace once again caught the attention.
The American international is yet to fully force his way into Newcastle’s starting line-up, but he is certainly putting pressure on Anita’s first-team place.
Yedlin has now played played seven times for Newcastle, and he is yet to taste defeat while representing his new club.
The Magpies’ win over Ipswich has seen the Tynesiders consolidate their position at the top of the Championship table, after winning 11 of their last 13 league matches.
Yedlin could start again on Tuesday evening, when Newcastle take on Preston North End in the EFL Cup at St. James’ Park.
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