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Vurnon Anita ‘I want to be an important player for the team’

8 years ago
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Vurnon Anita found a new lease of life towards the end of last season after becoming an emergency right-back.

Some excellent performances helping Newcastle to that final half dozen unbeaten run that proved just not quite enough to retain a Premier League spot.

Starting eight of the 10 matches under Rafa Benitez, the injury to Daryl Janmaat gave Vurnon Anita the chance to impress the new boss and he produced his best form so far at Newcastle United.

Although popular with many fans, most supporters last season were still none the wiser as to Anita’s best position despite four years at the club.

The midfield area is very densely populated at the minute so it is hard to see the Dutch international getting a start there.

So full-back looks his best chance of a spot in Rafa’s team and much could depend on whether Daryl Janmaat moves on, as most fans anticipated would happen. Jesus Gamez can play on both sides whilst Paul Dummett is also available – with Kevin Mbabu and Massadio Haidara injured as usual.

Vurnon Anita finds himself with only one year left on his contract, the same as Cheick Tiote and Tim Krul, despite this it doesn’t sound like the Dutch midfielder/full-back believes he is going anywhere.

Vurnon Anita speaking to the Chronicle:

“I feel good about the season ahead, I’m ready to start again and be an important player for the team.

“I want to give my all for the team and the club – I want to be an important player for the team.”

“The focus must be on the football now and everybody is getting ready for the start, it is a lot of games but that is why pre-season is very important to us and getting fit again.

“We have to be ready for the pre-season, games are a lot more fun than training of course – although we do learn a lot in training here.

“We have to bring that into the games as well.

“It (training week in County Kildare) has been very good and the weather has been great for us.

“We have trained very hard so we are all happy, t has been more focused and relaxing as well.

“We have been in one place and been able to walk to the training pitches from the hotel, it was perfect.”

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