Newcastle United have once again secured their status as a Premier League club with relative ease. Rafael Benitez guided them to a 10th place finish last season, and they are likely to be thereabouts this season as well. Quite a few players have played a crucial role for the Magpies in the past two seasons, and one of them is Ayoze Perez.
Perez has been linked with the likes of Napoli and some La Liga clubs, and recently he gave an interview that indicated that he could look to move away in the summer. The Spaniard was quoted as saying (The Chronicle), ”I just said that in summer there is going to be options. That means I have done something well. But what I tried to say was I’ll be up to hearing what is coming, but it doesn’t mean I am going to leave 100 per cent.”
”I can hear what is coming for me, what they offer for me, and that’s it; but it doesn’t mean I am going to leave 100 per cent at the end of the season. It is going to be a difficult decision. It depends on a lot of things.”
Until and unless Newcastle United become ambitious in the Premier League and atleast genuinely challenge for the Europa League spots, it could be tough for them to hold a player of Perez’s calibre. The Spaniard has given hope by saying it is not confirmed that he will definitely leave, but it’s clear that he is there for the taking if he receives a right offer.
How has Perez become so influential for Benitez?
Perez is a free-flowing versatile player who can play in numerous positions in the attacking third. Benitez has often used him down the right flank this season, but he usually goes up and takes central positions to support Salomon Rondon in the attack. The 25-year-old works hard off the ball as well, and that makes him a good fit in the system.
The Spanish star has that little bit of flair to his game which allows him to go past his defenders. However, the most crucial factor is that he is composed in front of goal and can take his chances well. It is essential for a club like Newcastle to make their chances count as they don’t create many opportunities.
What should be Benitez’s play?
The attacker has his contract at the club until 2021. There is no doubt that he might be tempted to move to Napoli or to the La Liga to play in his homeland. After the recent interview, it’s clear that Perez is going to weigh up his options. In that case, all Benitez can do is extract as much money as possible by selling him and look for an equally competent replacement. Losing him in the summer will definitely be a blow to the club.
