Newcastle United’s squad has been stretched beyond belief this season, and Dan Burn believes one player should have featured more.
The Magpies’ injury issues refuse to go away, with both Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles suffering season-ending ACL injuries in recent weeks. The latter was screaming when he went down against West Ham, and could be out for nine months.
Just like it was earlier in the season, the Newcastle squad is incredibly thin. Eddie Howe had to make four changes to his starting lineup against Everton, and a lack of depth ultimately led to the Magpies throwing away what would have been a vital victory.
Instead, they drew 1-1, with Everton grabbing an equaliser in the 88th minute. It came from the spot, after Paul Dummett fouled Ashley Young in the box. Dominic Calvert-Lewin converted from 12 yards, with Dummett’s error costing Newcastle dearly.
Dan Burn speaks out about Paul Dummett mistake vs Everton
Despite the mistake, Dan Burn believes that Dummett has deserved more opportunities in black and white this season.
He spoke to NUFC TV after the 1-1 draw with Everton, and expressed his support for his teammate after conceding a late penalty.
“I feel bad for Dummy,” he said.
“He is like the ultimate professional. He’s a great guy. He’s probably deserved more opportunities than he has been getting.
“I know what it’s like coming on in these sort of games, when you have been sat on the bench and you have to come on and see the game out. I have not seen it back but it looks it’s more of a coming together so I’m sure he’s disappointed but he’s a strong character and we all love him in there and hope he gets more opportunities.”
Newcastle players support Paul Dummett after mistake
Dummett came on in the 79th minute against Everton, replacing Lewis Hall who was struggling with fatigue. It was just Dummett’s second Premier League appearance of the season, having also made a late cameo in the 4-1 home win over Chelsea back in November.
But there was a lot more at stake on Tuesday night, and Dummett’s lack of match sharpness cost Newcastle.
It was a mistake that was completely avoidable, and one a player as experienced as Dummett should not have made. But he did, and it meant that three points became one.
But the Toon players are right behind the 32-year-old, and so they should be. He needs support, and that is what he is getting.
Debateable if Paul Dummett should have played more this season
Whether he should have played more this season, however, is up for debate.
While Dummett did well during his Carabao Cup appearances, it is difficult to see how he could have featured more in the Premier League. Centre-back has not been much of a problem position until now, while we have had better options available at left-back.
Perhaps if Newcastle had used a back five more, Dummett might have got more minutes. But that is something that Howe has largely avoided, preferring to stick to his 4-3-3 system.
While Burn thinks Dummett should have played more, I do not think he has been needed. However, that could be about to change given Newcastle’s injury issues in defence.
The post 'Deserved more opportunities': Dan Burn thinks 32-year-old Newcastle teammate hasn't played enough this season appeared first on Geordie Boot Boys.