Rafa’s coaching proving beneficial to Yedlin

DEAN DEANDRE Yedlin’s move to Ne Newcastle United has bene benefited the full-back, beli believes USA coach Bru Bruce Arena. The 23-year-old sig signed for the Magpi pies for £5 million fr from Tottenham H Hotspur last summ mer and has im improved his game u under Rafa Benitez’s co coaching. Yedlin spent the 20 2015/16 campaign on loanloa at Sunderland and made 23 Premier LeagueLea appearances for thet Black Cats, but opted t to move to St James’ Park permanentlype rather than the Stadium of Light. And USA head co coach Arena has been impressed with Yed Yedlin’s development to date. However, after watching the cap 45-cap45- p internationa international provide an assist duringg the United States’ 2-0 victory over Trinidad and T Tobago on Thursday, Arena has challenge challenged Yedlin to improve his mental strength.

“He’s an improved player, he’s still a young player,” Arena explained to The Washington Post.

“He’s got a way to go, but athletically he’s very good.

“Now he has to learn to be a player who just doesn’t count on the fact that he’s fast. He’s got to be a little better mentally on the field.

“His year at Newcastle has been good for him.”

Interestingly, his US team-mate Tim Ream – who played against Yedlin in the Championship for Fulham last season – believes the Magpies defender will only improve now United are back in the top flight.

In Ream’s opinion, Yedlin’s pace can be utilised far more effectively in the Premier League than it necessarily was in the physical second tier last term.

“His game definitely suits the Premier League more than the Championship,” Ream said.

“The Championship is much more physical and up and down, and DeAndre has that up and down in his legs.

“He made the adjustment quick and settled in really well.”