---
title: "Newcastle United: Steve Bruce suggests Isaac Hayden could play at centre-back vs Leeds"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/newcastle-united-steve-bruce-suggests-isaac-hayden-could-play-at-centre-back-vs-leeds/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Adam Clancy"
section: "Newcastle United"
published: "2020-12-16T16:20:12Z"
modified: "2020-12-16T16:20:12Z"
---

# Newcastle United: Steve Bruce suggests Isaac Hayden could play at centre-back vs Leeds

**Steve Bruce has suggested that midfielder Isaac Hayden could play as a central defender again for Newcastle United versus Leeds United in the Premier League.**

Speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference ahead of the clash against Marcelo Bielsa’s team at Elland Road, the former Sunderland boss [admitted](https://twitter.com/NUFC/status/1338828403298983936):

*“I thought the performance of Isaac was terrific which has given me food for thought. The big thing for him was tiredness and fatigue.”*

### Hayden was ‘terrific’ against West Brom

Hayden put in a ‘terrific’ display for his side as the Tyneside club ran out 2-1 winners at St. James’ Park last time out in the top flight thanks to goals from Miguel Almiron and Dwight Gayle.

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A central midfield player buy trade, the former Arsenal man more than held his own in his unfamiliar role as a centre-back, winning three of his five duels in the game ([Sofascore](https://www.sofascore.com/west-bromwich-albion-newcastle-united/iO)).

He also made no fewer than six clearances in the match, as well as recording three interceptions and one tackle ([Sofascore](https://www.sofascore.com/west-bromwich-albion-newcastle-united/iO)), standing as a key figure in the club from the North East gaining all three precious points.

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The 25 year-old will be asked to do some more defending with the Whites up next in the top flight, as Bruce now has a very big dilemma on his hands as to whether to play him as a centre-half again or play the Englishman in his more natural position.

[***In other news, find out what takeover message the NCSL have sent after a latest development here!***](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/newcastle-united-news/newcastle-united-ncsl-send-clear-takeover-message-after-latest-development/)