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Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has pinpointed DeAndre Yedlin’s speed as a main reason he brought him to St James’ Park back in the summer of 2016.

Having played only once for Tottenham since moving to the UK in January 2015, Yedlin headed out on loan to Sunderland where his performances caught the eye of Benitez.

Speaking to US Soccer, in an interview where Yedlin reveals details about his own childhood, Benitez recounts the story of how Yedlin ended up on Tyneside.

“We were watching some games and we watch a right full-back, and he’s really, really fast. I called my assistant ‘I love this player, how quick’ I like to have this kind of player with some pace.”

Yedlin arrived in August 2016 for the price of £5 million and signed a five-year-contract. Two seasons and 61 appearances later, Yedlin has become a fan favourite while also making the right-back role at United his own.

For Benitez, who is in the market this summer for a new right-back to offer competition to Yedlin, he feels the fans fully appreciate the American’s hard work.

“On the pitch, he is a good worker and then off the pitch, he is a nice guy. The fans see someone that is working hard and knows, going forward anad creating chances for his team mates with his crosses - so I think the fans appreciate him.”

Yedlin speaking back in May welcomed the idea of a new arrival to take him on for the right-back role.

“I always welcome competition. Without competition you can get too comfortable and when you get comfortable you can relax and your performance goes down - at least with me. Some players may be different but for me, that’s how I am. I love competition. That’s the only way to improve your play.”