Newcastle United defender DeAndre Yedlin has revealed that his time on the sidelineshas made him “stronger” after studying hours of tape and tactics, according to a report on the Shields Gazette.
The right-back was one of the most influential players for Newcastle in the Championship last season and there were some fears about who could replace him after he picked up a hamstring injury which kept him out of action for two months.
Summer signing Javier Manquillo filled in well but now that Yedlin has returned, he is eager to put everything he learned into practice.
“I’ve definitely been getting mentally stronger and stronger. Being out so long made me hungrier to get back. I am ever more focused than I was before,” said the USA international right-back.
“I feel stronger tactically. When I wasn’t able to run, I watched a lot of film and a lot of games,” he continued.
The right-back is now on international duty with the USA as they attempt to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
Yedlin has enjoyed working with Rafa Benitez and believes that the manager is developing the young squad very well.
“Rafa preaches pretty much the same principles no matter who is on the field,” said Yedlin.
“The good thing about our team is that it is young and hungry so everyone has bought into his game plan and it has showed with the results,” he concluded.
