OPINION
There will have been plenty of people surprised by Rafa Benitez’s decision to bring off Sean Longstaff in favour of Mo Diame at half time in Newcastle United’s Saturday night defeat to West Ham, but looking back on it, the manager probably made the right decision. The introduction of the Senegalese international introduced fresh impetus in the Magpies’ midfield and he endeavoured to turn the tide with a number of driving runs as he looked to drag his team out of the doldrums. It wouldn’t be enough ultimately, but it did show that the 31-year-old can still be an important player for the Toon Army. Questions still remain over his future at the club given his precarious contract situation, but on the basis of the shift he put in against his old side, he deserves an extension to his current deal on Tyneside. He’s not always the most pleasing on the eye, with his clumsy gait and flailing limbs, but he is more often than not an effective option who provides a bit of variety in the centre of the park. Diane isn’t necessarily perfect, but surely he is worth tying down to a new deal at St. James’ Park.
This is Futbol have gathered some of the best tweets below:
Fairplay to Diame has been a powerhouse since coming on!
— Kieran Nufcmad (@Bryant15594) March 2, 2019
https://twitter.com/Lascellxs/status/1101919563770482688
https://twitter.com/topdoog11/status/1101918005653618688
Diame’s introduction has been a positive one, has added a bit more presence in midfield, #NUFC not as easily overrun.
— NUFC360 (@NUFC360) March 2, 2019
Mo Diame is a Beast!!! #NUFC #WHUNEW
— Jefferson ?????? (@JKOversion1) March 2, 2019
Mo Diame has been our best player by a million miles. #NUFC
— Ryan (@RyanStripes) March 2, 2019
Mo diame has been our best player should have started him #NUFC
— Liam Watson (@LiamWatson11) March 2, 2019