Tino Livramento has started the last two Premier League games in Kieran Trippier’s absence but Emil Krafth has staked a claim for a place following his impressive display against Chelsea in midweek.
And Krafth, whether that be at right-back or centre-back, has proven to be Mr Dependable.
Howe said: “"He’s just such an unassuming, brilliant professional. Really hard working, so dependable. When you meet him, you instantly like him. He is a very good player and underrated by the outside world. Internally, we love him, and you can see his qualities. We really value him."
Lloyd Kelly has found opportunities hard to come by since arriving on a free transfer from AFC Bournemouth with his start against Chelsea only his fifth of the season.
And it was his best to date, putting in a number of crucial blocks as well as forming a solid partnership with Fabian Schar.
Howe said: “Lloyd is a very good player in both positions. Last year, for Bournemouth, he pretty much dovetailed between both positions very well. For us, he’s been used early season as a left-back, but the last few appearances he’s been a centre-back. He looked really comfortable on Wednesday and did really well.
“He is unique in the respect that he’s got really, really good top-end pace, is very athletic and has a lovely left foot as well. I’m very pleased with him.
“It’s early days for him, settling into a new club, but I think he’s adapted really well. Of course, I like him, having worked with him previously. I know the qualities that he brings. I think he’s going to be a really good signing for us.”
Praise for Kelly followed just days after Dan Burn endured a difficult afternoon at Stamford Bridge. The Blyth-born defender has started every Premier League this term.
Sandro Tonali was handed a more central role against Chelsea as Bruno Guimaraes dropped to the bench. Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock played either side as Joelinton moved onto the left wing.
Guimaraes is expected to return to the starting XI but what will that mean for Tonali? There are calls from supporters to keep the Italian at ‘No.6’ and play Guimaraes in a more advanced midfield role.
“Yeah, I think all options are open,” said Howe. “Sandro can definitely play both positions, whether it be higher or lower, that’s why we recruited him because he has that versatility. We didn’t want to sign one player for one position, we needed that flexibility especially in the Champions League season.
“Bruno is slightly more complex in terms of where he plays because I think he has natural strengths really where he gravitates towards the ball and always wants to be on the ball, that is his biggest strength. Playing him away from the ball is different for him and it means he has to play more positionally so that’s something we’ll look at. Good players can play anyway so we’ll see.”
There is also Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock and Joelinton to choose from.
Howe has often chose between Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes for the left wing position this season but turned to Joelinton against Chelsea on Wednesday night.
The Brazilian was closely supported by Willock as the pair rekindled their partnership, one that proved hugely effective when Newcastle qualified for the Champions League two seasons ago. By playing Joelinton out wide, Gordon was moved out of his preferred position to the right while Barnes didn’t make it off the bench.
“Anthony will do what’s best for the team,” Howe told NewcastleWorld. “He’s got no issue with that. Of course, we want to see him being effective, and I thought he was effective on Wednesday. I thought he played well and had some really good moments.
“I don’t see an issue. He’s never said to me that he would refuse to play in a position, but no player would because they want to play football. Anthony is a really good team player, as well as being an outstanding individual. It’s just about making sure we get him the ball in the right areas so he can be effective in that position.”
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