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Why Paul Dummett Returning to Wales Duty Offers Vindication for Benitez's Defensive Tactics

Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has received a lot of negativity and criticism by pundits for his ultra-defensive style against Chelsea and Manchester City but clearly some in football must think there's method to the madness.

Tyneside local Paul Dummett, who captained his boyhood club in the 2-1 loss to Manchester City, made his long-awaited return to international duty during this international break.

New Wales boss Ryan Giggs sought to bring Dummett in from the cold for his competitive debut against the Republic of Ireland, after previous boss Chris Coleman had all but rubber-stamped the end to the defender's international career back in May 2017.