Emil Krafth was handed the unenvious task of replacing Kieran Trippier after the England international was injured in the clash with Aston Villa. With Javier Manquillo also picking up an injury, it was down to Krafth to step up, and while his performances may not be headline-grabbing, the Swede has certainly not let his side down.
The 27-year-old has had his critics at Newcastle, some of the criticism justified as he struggled to find his feet in the Premier League since his move from Amiens. There have been glimpses of a capable player within him but those performances have been rare, and it was fair to say that many supporters feared him deputising for Trippier.
However, fears over Krafth haven’t rang true and it’s testament to his character that he has risen to the challenge. The Swedish international looks more confident, stronger and fitter and while some feared he’d shrink at the task of replacing Trippier, he’s done the opposite.
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Many felt that - including this writer - that Manquillo would return to the XI once he recovered from his injury but Toon head coach Eddie Howe has chosen to stick with Krafth despite having the option of the Spaniard for the last two games. Yet Krafth has earned this chance and with United picking up seven points from the last three games in which he’s started, it’s not difficult to see why Howe has opted to remain unchanged.
But it is more than tradition from Howe not to change a side in good form, Krafth has quietly gone about improving his game and has proved himself to be a more than capable replacement. Looking back at the previous two games - the wins over Brighton and Brentford, Krafth has perhaps gone under the radar with his solid performances.
With Newcastle facing an onslaught from Brighton, United’s defence had to dig in deep to maintain their lead - and Krafth had a helping hand with seven blocks, more than any other defender. He also topped the list for touches (54) as well as interceptions (3) and ranked third for pressing (16).
Of course, replacing Trippier is not just a defensive job but also an attacking one with the former Tottenham man particularly impressive when venturing forward. Again, many feared this challenge whether it be placed upon Krafth or Manquillo, but the Swedish international has done better than expected.
Against Brighton, Krafth topped the list for progressive passes (4), while he ranked second for the number of carries (21) and progressive carries (3) - taking the ball 138 yards, only second to Allan Saint-Maximin.
Similarly against Brentford, Krafth showed a perhaps unknown attacking desire. He ranked third for the number of passes (57/68), second for the number of progressive passes (9) behind only Ryan Fraser and for the number of progressive carries (10) going 158 yards - only once again behind Fraser.
No one doubts the loss of Tripper - a man who brings quality both in terms of footballing ability and leadership skills, and it's a fair assumption that Krafth will not be the man to challenge him in the seasons to come, but right now he is doing his very best to prove his worth.
Howe is keen to make sure that the players currently at United drown out the sound of constant transfer rumours and are made to feel like the most important people at the club and not become distracted by the gossip. Krafth, like most players, will not be totally unaware of the rumours, and the more specific to him, the fear that came from many when Trippier was ruled out for the next few months but he has not shied away from the challenge.
Instead, like Joelinton, Fabian Schar and Joe Willock, Krafth is yet another player who has improved under Howe. His performances for most will go under the radar, but he deserves praise for his efforts.
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