Forget ASM: “Terrific” Newcastle ace with 35 tackles has been Howe’s surprise package - opinion

Despite being on a sumptuous run of form at the moment, going unbeaten in their last six Premier League outings, things haven’t always been so positive on the pitch for Newcastle United this season.

With 24 league matches played so far in this campaign, the Magpies have only managed to win four of them, drawing ten and losing ten with a total of 45 goals conceded, leaving them in a relegation battle amongst the likes of Watford, Norwich City, Burnley, Everton and Leeds United.

Even though the club’s league results this season may not be what the fans and new owners would want, one player, in particular, has shown just what he is capable of and why he should be considered as an important figure for the Toon.

27-year-old full-back Javier Manquillo has made 15 appearances for Eddie Howe’s side in the Premier League this season across both full-back positions and as a right-midfielder, chipping in with one goal and two assists.

As well as showing his versatility by playing in numerous positions when called upon, the Spaniard’s performances have also been rather eye-catching, with WhoScored giving him an overall season rating of 6.61, making him the third-highest rated player that has started more than five league games in this campaign behind Allan Saint-Maximin and Joelinton.

Having shown with his goal and assists that he is capable going forward, Manquillo has also shown how capable he is defensively by winning 16 aerial duels, completing 35 tackles and making 24 clearances, so while the team as a whole may not have the best defensive record in terms of conceding goals, he has shown what a useful figure he can be at the back.

The former Liverpool figure, who has been praised in the past by former Toon boss Steve Bruce for