DeAndre Yedlin on finding his feet at Newcastle: 'Benítez has been good for me'
The defender had a tough introduction to English football but now he is looking forward to the Premier League and a productive with the US team
In the aftermath of Dwight Gayle’s goal for Newcastle United against Barnsley this month, a second cheer rang around St James’ Park. DeAndre Yedlin quickly flicked his gaze towards the home dugout in the hope the noise signified a late equalizer for Aston Villa against title challenging Brighton — it did.
“Yeah, for sure, [it’s the most surreal game I’ve played in],” Yedlin told the Guardian afterwards, a league winner’s medal around his neck. “I heard a few cheers, one at the beginning of the game, and then the Barnsley fans were cheering [Brighton’s goal] and then at the end of the game it was odd because everyone was just silent. I didn’t know the game [at Villa Park] hadn’t ended yet, so everyone was waiting anxiously. It was such a relief when I heard everyone going crazy and to win it like that.”
Euphoria and the Championship title followed in the rollercoaster that was Newcastle’s first full season under Rafa Benítez. Yedlin has gained much needed stability under the Spaniard, even if his move to Tyneside arrived directly after a spell with rivals Sunderland.
“I mean, obviously there’s a rivalry, but the way I see it I was a Sunderland player on loan and this [Newcastle] is my new team now,” he said. “I’m fortunate that Newcastle and the fans welcomed me with open arms because I know it’s not easy being a former Sunderland player. I have to say thanks to them for that. I wasn’t nervous at all though [about joining Newcastle]. At the end of the day this is my team now and I’m glad to be here.”
Newcastle fans are also glad Yedlin is at St James’ Park. The 23-year-old is a defender with attacking intent, using his speed and technique to influence the game at both ends of the field. Those skills have made him perfect for a Newcastle side that thrives on the counter-attack. A contender for the best full-back in the division, Yedlin’s qualities have not been lost on supporters or his team-mates.
“I didn’t know too much [about him when he arrived],” team-mate Ayoze Perez told the Guardian. “All I knew was he played in Sunderland last year and before that in Tottenham. I never saw him play, but I got surprised when I saw how good he can be. He’s a very good defender, but a great person as well. Sometimes he makes you feel calm when you know he is around, because of that speed. He defends really good as well. He takes advantage of his speed, and has given a lot of assists this season, and that is a plus for our team to have that kind of right-back it means a lot. It can make a lot of difference.”
Previously, critics have questioned Yedlin’s defensive abilities, but a match-up with Eden Hazard at the 2014 World Cup showcased Yedlin’s potential to defend. Although this season has not seen him face the caliber of Hazard, it has still seen Yedlin tested. It is a challenge the 23-year-old has risen to, and Yedlin is keen to note the influence of his teammates.
“Playing regularly always improves your game, but so does being in competition with a guy like Vurnon [Anita],” he said. “You can learn from him every day. He’s a very professional guy both on and off the field, so I’ve tried to absorb as much as I can from his game. Little things, just like the way he moves, the way his character is, because I think he’s a top professional.”
Yedlin has been forced to share first-team opportunities with Anita this season — a consequence of Benítez’s rotation policy. The Spaniard is a methodical manager. Last summer, before he signed Isaac Hayden from Arsenal, Benítez spent two hours explaining how he thought Hayden’s game could improve. Yedlin underwent a similar evaluation, and believes it has improve his game.
“I think he has been good for me,” he said. “I think he’s just made me a more complete player. He’s given me advice on picking better times to go forward, and picking times when to stay back. Obviously positioning, both attacking and defensively, I’m very fortunate to have him as a manager.”
Yedlin feels confident in his position, but knows full well next season will see him tested again. Benítez has been promised a healthy transfer budget, and is expected to add over half-a-dozen new faces to the squad. Regardless, Yedlin welcomes the competition.
“If you don’t want competition, I think it means you’re scared and you can get a little bit comfortable,” he said. “You never want to be too comfortable because that’s when you start to get complacent and start doing those little stupid things and getting too relaxed. Competition all over the field is great. I don’t know what will happen in the summer [with new signings] but I’m just looking forward to get back with the team.”
This summer promises to be a big one for Yedlin both at club level and internationally. The defender is likely to be involved when Bruce Arena selects a squad for World Cup Qualifiers in June and the Gold Cup in July. It will be a testing time for the US Men’s National Team, and Yedlin is hopeful he can carry his winning mentality from Newcastle with him into camp.
“I think at least individually I have a lot of momentum heading into the summer,” he said. “I’ve got to stay fit, stay prepared, because we have a big qualifier coming up against Mexico so I have to stay prepared for that, but I still have a job to do in the summer.”
If Yedlin could secure wins against Mexico and Trinidad & Tobago, as well as a medal at the Gold Cup, it would cap off a fantastic 12 months. It also seems apt that a man that moves at such speed on the pitch has such a fast-paced life off it. Able to squeeze in a brief holiday before things restart, Yedlin is wise to rest up, as things only look like they will be more hectic for the defender during his second year on Tyneside.
