Daryl Janmaat had no problem at all playing out on the wing during Newcastle’s 4-0 win over KSC Lokeren on Saturday.
The Dutchman was part of an unusual and experimental 4-2-3-1 formation, which also saw Ayoze Perez, who was in fine form, play in a number 10 position supporting Dwight Gayle.
Janmaat was bumped up to right-wing with Jamie Sterry making a start at right-back. However, the Dutch international’s attacking capabilities were highlighted as he grabbed one of four goals scored on the night at the Daknamstadion.
The 27-year-old is a full back by nature but has shown his aggressive nature and eagerness to attack over the last couple of seasons in a black and white shirt. In a report with NUFC.co.uk, Janmaat expressed that he enjoyed his freedom in the final third.
It was different but I liked it. I do it my own way – I’m not a proper winger but I’m a good runner and I tried to make the best of it I can.
The Dutchman doubled the Magpies lead in the 26th minute of the game, after heading home an Ayoze Perez free-kick, which resulted from a foul on Vernon Anita.
Last season Janmaat primarily played as a right-back with spells at centre-back. Having made 35 appearances for the club last season it will be interesting to see if Benitez sticks with him as the outright first choice, or goes with new arrival Jesus Gamez from Atletico Madrid.
However, Janmaat remains firm that his favoured position is at right-back:
I like playing right-back – that’s my place – because I can come from behind to help out the attack. But it’s nice to be able to help out in different positions, to show what I can do there, and I was happy to help the team out with a goal.
Janmaat netted the second goal of the night with his fantastic headed effort and teammates Ayoze Perez and Jonjo Shelvey also added to the tally to make it 4-0, with Perez scoring twice.
The player who is in his third year at the North East club, after his move from Feyenoord, says that the team are getting sharper and becoming a stronger unit as there pre-season games intensify.
In pre-season you want a good work out and this was another one – we are playing lots of games to try and get back in a rhythm, get ft and be ready for Fulham in a couple of weeks. It was a good game and a good result against a team who play in the Belgian first division, so we’ve got to be satisfied with the way it went. There are things we can still improve on but we are also doing lots of things well.
We are controlling games, we look dangerous in the forward positions and we are scoring goals. It is very important that we are taking our opportunities.
United’s next pre-season fixture is on Saturday 13th July against Vitesse, 3pm at St James’ Park.
