COMMENTARY
While all eyes were on Newcastle United’s new record signing Miguel Almiron for the clash away at Wolves on Monday night, the Paraguayan coming off the bench for his debut, there was a notable absentee in the form of Antonio Barreca, the other January arrival at St James’ Park. The Italian full back was nowhere to be seen at Molineux and journalist Lee Ryder reported that the Monaco loanee was simply left out due to squad decisions rather than illness or injury. Considering the 23-year-old had been part of the side to take on Tottenham a week before, his axe from the team suggests that he has not shown enough development in training to keep his place in the squad. Fans are fuming on Twitter at his exclusion and considering Javier Manquillo, who has been deemed a flop by the Toon Army for his poor performances, was among the match day 18 against Wolves it casts serious doubts over just how bad Barreca is. It could be a language issue – Benitez and his team able to communicate in both Spanish and English whereas the left back may only speak his native Italian and a bit of French – but he was not signed to sit on the sidelines and whatever the issue, it needs to be sorted out.
No injury issues with Antonio Barreca. Simply not selected on squad strength this evening. #nufc
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) February 11, 2019
This is Futbol has gathered a selection of the supporters’ tweets:
Manquillo must be like a cross between Cafu and Roberto Carlos in training, either that or Barecca is another Lazaar
— MrCynical (@DaveLogan3) February 11, 2019
Mind boggling ?
— Andrew Biddy Wells (@biddywells) February 11, 2019
https://twitter.com/Darrah88/status/1095039135025385473
If he’s not as good as manquillo then why sign him? Bizarre
— Martin Johnson (@MartinJohnson10) February 11, 2019
https://twitter.com/WooPaul/status/1095059353315479552
Is Rafa telling me manquillo is better than barreca, then why did we sign him ?
— Kieron Dunn (@kierondunn13) February 11, 2019
What was the point getting him in……????
— Graeme Brash (@Brashmeister81) February 11, 2019
A typical toon loan signing!
— Gary Smith (@geordiegaz83) February 11, 2019