Managers as acclaimed as Rafael Benitez, who has the experience of managing Real Madrid in his CV, barely lend their heart and soul into a side which had fallen into the clutches of the second tier. The curious case of Benitez leaves us with good vibes that the game is still beyond the grasp of materialistic achievements or clinching the headlines. The Spaniard has masterminded what promises to be a season of complete overhaul and shift in the momentum in the stride of Newcastle United.
The Magpies sit tight at the top of the Championship table and are likely to get themselves back to the Premier League next season. Their spirits have been revived under his tutelage and undoubtedly, after what they have done this campaign, they have definitely laid the stepping stone of Benitez’s mega project of cultivating the fascination of European nights at St. James’ Park. One of the instrumental roles for such a performances can be credited to a certain striker in their ranks who has been flawless this term.
Dwight Gayle’s resurrection ever since his move from Crystal Palace has been intriguing to witness. The 26-year-old has catered to a major chunk of goal scoring needs of the Magpies, registering 20 goals and creating 19 chances in 24 appearances, and having a hand in a couple as well. He has been the cornerstone of Benitez’s attacking endeavours, banging goals, joining with his teammates in creating mayhem for the opponents in cultivating nightmares for the opponents’ defence, passing the ball well in dangerous areas, holding up the play and dictating the forward-going tempo of his side.
Nonetheless, he succumbed to a recurring hamstring injury in Newcastle United’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa and was subbed off. At a crucial period of the league where Benitez is in the dire need to maintain his stronghold going into the business end of the season, an injury to their prime hitman does create some concern. Owing to his injury Brentford in January, he was sidelined and Aleksandar Mitrovic found stepping into the void shoes of Gayle a pretty tough task.
The inclination of the fans towards a state of worry makes sense, to be honest. They might be handsomely poised in the Championship, but to keep the momentum going when they step into the Premier League next season would hold paramount importance. Although the reports about the tenure of his exclusion from the side still await, the likes of Mitrovic and Ayoze Perez must step up to the occasion this time around to ensure that the smile on the faces of Newcastle United faithful lingers on.
Statistics Credits: Squawka.
