Yedlin: Rival move was right move

DEANDRE Yedlin admits he did hesitate before joining Newcastle United due to the fact he had played for Sunderland - but decided he had to do what was best for his own career.

The 24-year-old American spent the 2015/16 campaign on loan at the Stadium of Light, making 23 Premier League appearances for the Black Cats.

But Sunderland hesitated over signing Yedlin permanently during the summer of 2016, allowing Newcastle the opportunity to offer Tottenham Hotspur £5million for the rightback.

Though Yedlin spent some time considering whether he should head straight from Wearside to Tyneside in the space of just a few weeks, the USA international determined that he must make a “selfish” decision in order to improve himself under Rafa Benitez’s tutelage.

Speaking about the summer of 2016, when he opted to sign for Newcastle, Yedlin told The Sun: “The rivalry was definitely in my mind: ‘Is it the right thing to do?’

“But I had to be selfish and think about what’s best for my career. Looking back, it was a great step for me.

“Obviously the chance to work with Rafa, there’s not really a better situation I could be in.”

Over the course of the last two seasons, Yedlin’s all-round game has improved immeasurably under Benitez.

The American has always been an offensive full-back, but his defensive discipline and understanding of positioning have both come on exponentially.

That is down to Benitez’s meticulous attention to detail and willingness to devote additional time in order to help his players improve.

“He’s great. He takes his time with you. One on ones, he’ll stay out after training for another hour if you need it. He’s been one of the best managers I’ve had,” Yedlin said of Benitez. “I’m playing in the Premier League, week-in, week-out and as a kid you never really think you’ll be doing that. I think I’m one of three Americans in the Premier League, so it’s an honour to represent your country like that.”

Yedlin first moved to England in 2014 when he joined Tottenham Hotspur where he learned about the pace and physicality of English football from Kyle Walker.

Yedlin added: “I learned a lot and we became really good friends and still are.”