Malcolm Macdonald reckons Ciaran Clark is the Newcastle United player who should replace the injured Paul Dummett at left-back against Burnley on Monday.
Dummett sustained an injury while playing for Wales in the UEFA Nations League over the international break and he will be absent for the trip to Turf Moor – and even though the likes of Javier Manquillo and Kenedy have been touted to replace him, Macdonald thinks that Clark is just the man.
Clark has not been a regular this season in his usual position of centre-back, but the Toon legend says he would be a lot “steadier” than Manquillo, adding that his ability to defend well will prove dividends on the road.
“If it’s Javier Manquillo then we’re in trouble because like the full-back on the other side DeAndre Yedlin, I feel he cannot defend and that would put an awful strain on the new central defensive partnership of Fabian Schar and Federico Fernandez, who I think have been terrific,” he said in his Chronicle column.
“Therefore I would go for Ciaran Clark who never lets the side down even after being repeatedly dropped. He gives his all and would be a lot steadier than Manquillo.
“Clark may not be blessed with pace but he can defend and away from home that is particularly important.”
OPINION
Rafa Benitez no doubt has a tough decision to make as to who will replace the injured Dummett. Does he go for players who are more natural full-backs, or does he plump for a more defensive option like Clark? Like Macdonald pointed out, this side of his game will prove to be particularly vital, especially away from home. Clark is naturally left-footed so this will also be an advantage – so it would not be a surprise if this is who Benitez eventually went with. Manquillo is weak when it comes to defending and this is not something that Benitez would want in his team – and the fact that he has not played many minutes will not help either. Some fans may argue that it would be a bold risk in picking Clark, but he is a much stronger option than anyone else – and you know that he will be on top form when it comes to defending.